Toilet Cleaning Robot Can Communicate With You

A group of engineering companies including Chinougijutsu Co. (Chinougijutsu means "intelligence technology" in Japanese) have developed a toilet cleaning robot for public restrooms. It is shaped like a ladybug and is called the "LADY BIRD." This one robot will be used on trial this year before 2,000 more are placed in restrooms along the highways throughout Japan in 2009.

LADY BIRD will be one solution for the facilities maintenance company that is facing an increasing problem in Japan where finding people to clean the public restrooms is becoming harder and harder.

LADY BIRD has a bit of wit and is meant to communicate with the people she meets. When I said "Ohayo-gozaimasu (Good Morning)" to her at the exhibition floor, she responded by saying "You know, it's almost noon." Yes indeed, it was 11:50am when I looked at my watch!