Australia
USA
Latest News
Wednesday, 28th September 2016
In General Japan News,
Japan takes queuing to a new level with self-driving chairs
It’s generally considered that Brits are world-class at queuing, but the Japanese look set to take the title of top queuers.
Whether it’s standing in line to get the new must-have gadget, queuing for concert tickets or a table in a new restaurant, the process can certainly be weary for the body.
Now, Nissan, which is best known for manufacturing cars, has invented a solution to save people’s legs in the form of a self-driving chair.
Once the person seated at the front of the line of chairs vacates their spot, the others automatically move up a space.
The company showcased its new invention by releasing a video of the system, emulating a scene in a busy restaurant.
Without the need to stand up, diners move along the line, thanks to the application of autonomous technology.
Nissan has put techniques used in its self-driving cars, including cameras, into use to make the chairs function in this way.
It is set to be tested out at a number of specially selected restaurants in Japan this year, with the view for a more widespread roll-out in 2017 should the system prove useful.
Japan’s capital Tokyo is home to some 160,000 restaurants, but queuing for a table is still a common occurrence at many of them.
Nissan said in a statement: “[It] appeals to anyone who has queued for hours outside a crowded restaurant: it eliminates the tedium and physical strain of standing in line.”
Other possible applications for the technology include being used in art galleries, so visitors can remain seated while viewing works, and in offices, so that chairs can put themselves away when not being used.
Whether or not the idea takes off remains to be seen, but Nissan has proved that the technology is there should it be required.
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
