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The Rise of Humanoids: Inside Tokyo’s Latest Robot Revolution

image source: nationthailand.com

Introduction

Tokyo’s International Robot Exhibition has once again proven why it is one of the most anticipated tech events in the world. With more than 670 global companies and research institutions participating, this year’s edition placed a special spotlight on humanoid robots and AI-powered machines designed to take on tasks once thought possible only for humans. From firefighting androids to dancing café servers and VR-controlled maintenance robots, the exhibition showcased how rapidly robotics is evolving — and how close these machines are to becoming everyday partners in our lives.

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Humanoids Step Into Human Roles

One of the most talked-about presentations came from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which unveiled its latest humanoid model, known as Kaleido. In live demonstrations, Kaleido showed that it is not just another android — it is a machine built with real-world challenges in mind.

The robot successfully extinguished a mock fire using a hose, lifted a 30-kilogram fallen shelf, and even rescued a toy or dummy cat, depending on the source. According to Kawasaki officials, the company intentionally keeps the robot human-sized so it can use the same tools, clothing, and equipment firefighters and rescue workers use.
This design philosophy is based on the idea that humanoids should not replace human systems — they should fit into them.

AI Robots That Understand and Act

Another highlight came from Fanuc, a major Japanese robotics manufacturer. Their AI-enhanced robotic arm was able to interpret voice instructions and perform a complex task: identifying dice using a camera, picking them up one by one, and arranging them so all showed the number five.
This demonstration emphasized how perception, language understanding, and motor control are merging in modern robotics.

Similarly, Yaskawa Electric presented an AI robot designed for office environments. By analyzing photographs of the room, the robot could immediately understand what needed cleaning or rearranging and act without human guidance — offering a glimpse into near-future workplaces where robots maintain order alongside human staff.

Robots With Personality and Performance

The exhibition was not only about industrial tasks. GMO Internet Group showcased a humanoid robot capable of expressive, dynamic movements — from coordinated dancing to serving café customers. These demonstrations highlight a growing trend: robots designed not only for labor, but for interaction, entertainment, and hospitality.

Shared Control: Humans and Robots Working Together

Another perspective in the show came from Man-Machine Synergy Effectors, which displayed a robot integrated with an aerial work platform. Unlike fully autonomous robots, this machine is controlled by a human wearing VR goggles.
The operator sees through the robot’s “eyes” and moves its arms in real time, allowing tasks such as railway maintenance or timber felling to be carried out remotely.
This approach emphasizes collaboration rather than independence — a contrast to the more autonomous robots seen elsewhere.

A Growing Global Race

Both texts you provided noted that countries like China and the United States are also accelerating their development of humanoids and advanced robotic arms powered by AI. The shared goal across nations appears similar: deploy robots in environments that are risky for humans, address labor shortages, and create machines capable of using tools and performing practical, real-world functions.

Conclusion

The 2025 International Robot Exhibition shows a future where humanoids are no longer limited to research labs or science fiction. They are learning to understand language, handle tools, dance, clean offices, and even perform rescue operations.
What makes this era inspiring is not just the sophistication of the machines — it’s the shift in vision. Robots are no longer built simply to automate; they are built to collaborate, support, and extend human capability.
Whether through AI autonomy, precise mechanical strength, or immersive VR-controlled systems, each new innovation brings us closer to a world where humans and robots work side-by-side, sharing tasks, environments, and goals.
As these technologies continue evolving, the question is no longer if robots will become part of our daily lives — but how they will help shape the future we are stepping into.

Sources

• NHK World News – Humanoids steal the show at International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo
  https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20251204_01/

• The Nation Thailand – Cutting-edge humanoid robots on display at Tokyo show
  https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/world/40059252

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