A Society in Symbiosis with Robots Discussions with JR Officials Regarding Robots on Trains I discussed the issue of robots riding public transportation with Tomo-chan—who has experience living with robots—and the JR staff who have been supporting us through the Mobility Consortium.
As for bringing robots on board, as long as they fall within the limits of the carry-on baggage regulations, they may be brought on board free of charge as carry-on baggage, but
You may be prohibited from doing so on the grounds that it “may pose a risk of harm to other passengers.”
https://www.jreast.co.jp/ryokaku/
It's easy to imagine the concern that someone might be injured as a result of a fall or similar incident, but
Because I don't know what kind of functions the robot has,
People often seem to worry excessively about risks—such as the possibility of things getting out of control or being secretly filmed.
If we try to create rules by lumping everything under the single term “robot” right now, we’ll end up with strict regulations—like “turn off the power, pack it up, and transport it as regular cargo”—which would likely make a society where humans and robots coexist seem even more out of reach ^^;
Furthermore, in public spaces, the issue of social acceptance—specifically, how to alleviate people’s anxiety about the unknown—is a major concern, and it seems it will still take some time before riding with robots becomes commonplace.
While pets are required to be kept in carriers, service dogs and guide dogs are permitted.
As a general rule, ramp boards cannot be used as carry-on items; they are provided for wheelchair users.
I found myself wondering if exceptions might be made in the future if robots—such as care robots—become indispensable to people’s daily lives, and I enjoyed thinking about what the discussions might look like in the not-too-distant future (*^^*)
Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
Director, B Lab
Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
Chairperson, CANVAS
After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”
