TOKYO, Apr 09 (News On Japan) –
A document variety of firms went bankrupt as a consequence of labor shortages, spotlighting AI and avatar options showcased on the EC and Store Week Spring exhibition held at Tokyo Big Sight on April eighth.
Among the varied applied sciences showcased to trade professionals, the “Store Labor Shortage Countermeasures Expo Spring” attracted specific consideration.
Fumiya Tanno, gross sales director at exhibition organizer RX Japan, defined: “While the EC market has expanded following the COVID-19 pandemic, physical stores offering real-world experiences are also growing, and addressing labor shortages—one of their biggest challenges—cannot be overlooked, which is why we organized this event.”
According to a survey launched by Tokyo Shoko Research on April eighth, 442 firms went bankrupt in fiscal 2025 as a consequence of labor shortages, marking a document excessive.
At the exhibition, firms introduced visions of “future customer service” aimed toward addressing workforce shortages.
At a sales space collectively exhibited by TANAX and AVITA, an AI humanoid named “Hinata” demonstrated its means to interact clients by means of eye contact and pure dialog, creating a way of familiarity.
Meanwhile, avatar-based programs designed to offer hospitality rather than human employees had been additionally launched.
One such expertise mixed avatars with digital becoming experiences, permitting customers to pick out clothes and take a photograph, after which a picture of themselves sporting the chosen outfit appeared on display screen.
When requested for styling recommendation, reminiscent of whether or not a skirt or pants can be higher, the avatar responded with ideas like preferring a pants type.
Additionally, avatars operated remotely by employees had been in a position to answer extra detailed inquiries in actual time.
Other applied sciences on show included AI cameras able to explaining merchandise when clients picked them up.
Participating firms plan to proceed selling these options at exhibitions, aiming to create a society the place the presence of avatars turns into the norm.
Kei Shimada, government officer at AVITA, mentioned: “Expectations are rising for a world where robots and similar technologies become more familiar, and we believe there will be strong interest. We want to create a society in Japan where customer service through AI and avatars is the standard.”
Source: FNN