Autonomous Guidance Robot for the Visually Impaired “AI Suitcase” Demonstration at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
Verification of operation under the Expo special model
The “AI Suitcase”, under development by the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), and others, has been selected as a participant in the “Robot Experience” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, to be held in April 2025. The Robot Experience is an initiative to implement and demonstrate a variety of next-generation robots at the Expo.
In preparation for the proof-of-concept demonstration at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Miraikan is playing a central role in developing a special model for the Expo that can be used both indoors and outdoors, featuring improvements such as a new wheel mechanism which improves the ability to go over a curb, and the addition of new sensors capable of recognizing low-level obstacles.
The actual proof-of-concept demonstration at the venue will be organized by the Consortium for Advanced Assistive Mobility Platform (hereinafter referred to as “the Consortium”). They plan to conduct verification tests, such as identifying technical issues with the operational model meant for societal implementation, by operating multiple AI Suitcases simultaneously within the venue for an extended period of time.
The specific period and area of operation will be coordinated between the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition and the Consortium.