Arisa

As thousands of Olympic organizers, Tokyo city administrators, and local and foreign volunteers scurry to prepare for the upcoming 2020 Summer Games, another, somewhat less anxious, worker named ARISA is getting ready, too.

Facing an influx of Olympic spectators, as well as an aging population and low birth rate that has resulted in a national labor shortage, Japan is turning to robotics to help handle the demand for workers.

ARISA, a project by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, is a 6-foot guide robot that will work in the subway stations to show passengers the way to restrooms and lockers, offer transit directions and recommend tourist attractions in the area. Developed by the Japanese tech company Aruze Gaming and Chicago-headquartered THK, she’s wide-eyed, sharply dressed and can speak in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean. She’s also accompanied by a touch-screen monitor.