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Japanese AI venture develops autonomous tidying-up robot

Oct 18, 2018 (Kyodo) - Preferred Networks Inc., a Japanese venture specializing in artificial intelligence, unveiled on Tuesday a fully autonomous tidying-up robot for home use.

The Tokyo-based startup created software for the cylindrical robot, around 100 to 135 centimeters tall and weighing some 37 kilograms, which was developed by Toyota Motor Corp. for assisting the elderly and disabled.

The support robot features a camera on the top of it that enables it to recognize objects scattered in a room such as socks, toys and stationery. Moving at a maximum speed of 800 meters per hour, it uses a folding arm to pick up and place such materials in designated locations.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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Typhoon No. 7, named Mekkhala, formed east of the Philippines at 3 a.m. on June 20 and is forecast to strengthen early next week, while moist air around the storm could later feed a rainy season front stalled near Honshu and raise the risk of heavy rain across western and eastern Japan. The typhoon is expected to move westward to west-northwest, according to updates at 12 p.m. on June 20, approaching the Philippines early next week.

Japan will face Tunisia in its second match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 21 in Monterrey, a northern Mexican city known for its mountains, modern skyline and unexpectedly strong connections with Japan.

Mosquitoes are appearing earlier than usual this year, raising fears of a major summer outbreak as experts warn that warm May weather and repeated light rain have created ideal breeding conditions across residential areas.

Bear attacks and sightings are increasing across Japan, with multiple people injured on June 17 and experts warning that bears are becoming more accustomed to human environments, potentially leading to more dangerous and unpredictable encounters in the years ahead.

JR Central and JR West on June 17 announced pricing and service details for the new private-room seating that will be introduced on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen from October, creating a new top-tier class above the existing Green Car service.

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