Tokyo, August 2025 (Qahwa World) – In the heart of Chuo Ward, Tokyo, a café is redefining what it means to dine out. The Avatar Robot Café Dawn ver. Beta employs people who are paralyzed or otherwise unable to leave their homes, giving them the chance to work and connect with society by remotely piloting humanoid robots.
Originally launched as a short-term experiment, the café has now become a permanent space that blends hospitality, technology, and inclusivity. Staffed by over 60 “pilots” operating from their homes across Japan, the café offers a uniquely human experience—through robots.
Dining with Robots, Connecting with People
Customers can choose from three seating tiers, ranging from casual observation to full table service by OriHime robots. These units, developed by OryLab, allow operators to interact with guests, take orders, and even hold conversations.
One such pilot is Koki, a veteran OriHime operator from Mie Prefecture, over 300 kilometers away. Paralyzed since 1991 after a diving accident, Koki once felt isolated and withdrawn. Today, through OriHime, he provides warm table service, shares stories, and even entertains guests with impromptu singing.
Koki explains how this work has changed his life: “Before, I was always thanking others for helping me, but I was rarely thanked myself. At the Avatar Café, I hear people say ‘thank you’ to me. That makes me happy.”
Human Interaction in a Robotic World
Unlike typical restaurants where robots simply deliver plates, Dawn’s robots are human-driven, giving them personality and humor. Guests witness lively exchanges between robot staff, occasional clumsy moments like dropping cups, and heartfelt conversations that make the dining experience feel deeply personal.
Beyond wait service, the café also features a Nextage Tele-Barista robot, which brews coffee through a French press under the control of a remote operator. Customers can choose from three coffee beans and watch as the robot prepares their drinks with precision—and occasional endearing mistakes.
A Vision of Accessibility
The café is the brainchild of Ory Yoshifuji, inventor of the OriHime robot, who created the system to combat loneliness and provide opportunities for people with disabilities. The project has grown into a platform for empowerment, allowing individuals like Koki to not only serve customers but also lecture at universities, carry the Olympic torch, and even assist Japan’s Prime Minister at global events.
Mariko Ohanabatake, a visitor who experienced Dawn firsthand, described it as “a place where robots connect people, not just serve them. It felt like the future.”
Café Details
Avatar Robot Café Dawn ver. Beta (分身ロボットカフェ DAWN ver.β)
📍 Nihonbashi Lifescience Building 3 (1F), Chuo-ku, Tokyo
⏰ Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Closed Thursdays unless public holiday)
🌐 Website: DAWN Avatar Robot Café
