Robots replace Japanese students for graduation amid COVID-19 crisis
Students at the Business Breakthrough University in Tokyo used robotic stand-ins for a graduation ceremony. The robots, dubbed "Newme" by developer ANA Holdings, were dressed in graduation caps and gowns for the ceremony.
 |
| Spring graduation ceremonies in Japan have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, but students at one school were able to attend remotely by controlling avatar robots while logged on at home. Photo: CNET |
 |
| The robots' "faces" were tablets that displayed the faces of the graduates, who logged on at home and controlled the robots via their laptops. Photos: PR Time |
 |
| One by one, the robots motored toward the podium to receive their diplomas. School staff clapped and said "congratulations!" as University President Kenichi Ohmae placed the diplomas on a rack mounted on the robot's midsection. |
 |
| Ipads attached to 'newme' robots replacing graduating students' presence at a ceremony, wear graduation gowns and hats in Tokyo, Japan. |
 |
| The university hopes its approach can be adopted by other schools looking to avoid mass gatherings. |
 |
| "I think this is truly a novel experience to receive a certificate in a public area while I am in a private space," Kazuki Tamura said via his computer avatar when receiving his master's degree diploma. |
 | Khanh Hoa Union of Friendship Organizations helps stranded Russians overcome COVID-19 Ly Ba Lin, President of Union of Friendship Organizations of Khanh Hoa province and Nguyen Thi Thu Thanh, Chairwoman of provincial Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association have ... |
 | One of latest COVID-19 patients in Cambodia found a Vietnamese woman A female tourist has become the first Vietnamese citizen to be infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) virus in Cambodia, said the Cambodian Ministry of ... |
 | Vietnam proposes joint ASEAN military drill as COVID-19 outbreak worsens Head of the Military Medical Department Major General Nguyen Xuan Kien suggested holding a joint drill on COVID-19 prevention and control between ASEAN countries’ military ... |
 | Vietnam gifts 550,000 face masks to EU countries in coronavirus fight Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs To Anh Dung on April 7 symbolically handed over 550,000 made-in-Vietnam face masks to five European countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy ... |
Tags:
Related Stories
Overseas Vietnamese
Vietnamese Football Tournament in Kyushu Raises Funds for Victims of Natural Disasters and Floods
On October 19, at Kurume Stadium - Fukuoka City in Japan, a football tournament of the Vietnamese community in the Kyushu region took place.
October 22, 2025 | 10:37
Friendship
Four Pillars of JICA’s Cooperation in Vietnam in Coming Time
At the mid-fiscal year 2025 press conference on October 8, Kobayashi Yosuke, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Vietnam Office, announced that the four pillars of future Vietnam–Japan cooperation are: development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation; promotion of international integration; lawmaking and enforcement; and private sector development.
October 13, 2025 | 10:39
Recommended
Handbook
Vietnam Ranks Among World’s Top 4 Most Attractive Culinary Destinations
The American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller has announced the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, in which Vietnam was ranked fourth among the 15 countries with the most attractive cuisines in the world.
October 17, 2025 | 08:39
Handbook
Vietnam’s AI Law to Require User Notification before AI Interactions
Internet users in Vietnam will be clearly informed before interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This is one of the important provisions in the draft Law on Artificial Intelligence by the Ministry of Science and Technology. It is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly by the end of 2025.
September 30, 2025 | 07:07
Handbook
10 Vietnamese Films Set For Screening In US To Mark 30 Years Of Diplomatic Ties
The Vietnam Film Institute, authorized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will organize non-profit screenings of ten Vietnamese feature films and documentaries at Metrograph cinema in New York from October 18-31.
September 25, 2025 | 07:12
Handbook
Time Out: Hanoi Among Most Beautiful Autumn Viewing Spots in Asia
The best time for autumn viewing in Hanoi is approaching, said Timeout.
September 23, 2025 | 14:15
Handbook
Vietnamese Coffee Conquers Paris - More Than Just A Brew
For decades, espresso has stood as the emblem of French and European coffee culture. Yet in recent years, a new contender has been carving out its place - Vietnamese coffee. With its distinctive flavor, unique brewing method, and cultural roots, this drink is steadily winning over French consumers, especially the younger generation.
September 18, 2025 | 10:31
Handbook
Belgium: Vietnamese Booth Leaves Strong Impression at ManiFiesta Festival 2025
Red-flagged shirts with yellow stars, badges bearing President Ho Chi Minh’s portrait, and photos of him smiling warmly all sparked curiosity and emotion, delighting many visitors at ManiFiesta Festival 2025.
September 16, 2025 | 08:15
Handbook
Hanoi to Light Up the Sky with Six Fireworks Displays on National Day
From 9:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. on September 2, Hanoi will organize fireworks displays at six locations to celebrate the National Day, including a total of 3,600 high-altitude fireworks and 540 low-altitude racks.
August 26, 2025 | 08:05
Handbook
How To Get Around And The Best Spots To View The 80th National Day Parade Rehearsal
Hotel bookings along the parade route are rising sharply. What do travelers need to know when coming to Hanoi for the rehearsal and National Day parade?
August 23, 2025 | 07:55