In a quiet corner of Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district, something remarkable is happening. Tourists wandering past department stores and centuries-old shrines are being led by local guides who never actually leave their homes. The secret? A hand-sized telepresence robot that sits comfortably on your shoulder, chatting away like a friendly companion. Meet OriHime, one of Japan’s most charming examples of how technology and compassion can work hand in hand.
Developed by Tokyo startup OryLab, OriHime isn’t just another gadget in Japan’s long love affair with robotics — it’s part of a mission. Each robot connects tourists with guides who may have limited mobility or other disabilities, allowing them to lead real-time tours without stepping outside their homes.
From the tourist’s point of view, the experience feels surprisingly human. The robot swivels its tiny head, gestures with its small arms, and speaks directly through its remote operator, pointing out hidden corners of Nihonbashi, recommending a favorite snack spot, and sharing personal stories about the city.
Behind that smooth, friendly exterior lies a simple but powerful idea: technology should bring people together, not push them apart.
OryLab first made waves a few years ago with a similar concept — robotic servers in a Tokyo café, each operated remotely by people unable to work outside their homes. It wasn’t just a novelty; it was proof that inclusion could be built into everyday experiences.
Now, the same philosophy has stepped out of the coffee shop and onto the city streets. What began as an experiment in empathy has evolved into a full-fledged tourism program, giving remote workers new ways to earn income while sharing their city’s culture.
It helps that OriHime looks the part. Picture a small, white robot straight out of a Studio Ghibli film — expressive, gentle, and just cute enough to make people smile. Think less science fiction, more storybook friend.
Telepresence robots aren’t new. They’ve been used in hospitals, offices, and classrooms for years. But OryLab’s approach stands out because it keeps humans at the heart of the experience. The robot isn’t replacing a guide — it’s amplifying one.
For tourists, it’s a unique twist on travel: a guided walk through Tokyo where your “guide” might be miles away, yet wholly present through a little talking companion on your shoulder. Along the way, you still get the laughter, the insight, and the human warmth that no app could replicate.
Japan has long embraced robots with a sense of friendship rather than fear. OriHime continues that tradition, reminding the world that the most advanced technology isn’t always about efficiency or precision — sometimes, it’s about empathy.
Whether it’s a café visit or a city tour through the winding lanes of Nihonbashi, OriHime shows that a bit of innovation, when mixed with kindness, can open doors — and worlds — for everyone involved.
Would you trust a pocket-sized robot to guide your next city tour? In Japan, the answer from tourists — and their remote guides — seems to be a resounding yes.