Avatar Robot OriHime Paves the Way for New Work Styles for Individuals with Mobility Difficulties

Ory Laboratory Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representatives: Kentaro Yoshifuji, Masahiro Sasayama; hereinafter "Ory Laboratory"), in collaboration with Panasonic Corporation (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President Executive Officer: Akira Toyoshima; hereinafter "Panasonic"), conducted a three-month demonstration from November 2025. This demonstration utilized the avatar robot OriHime to enable individuals with mobility difficulties, who usually work in the avatar robot cafe providing customer service, to participate remotely in corporate tasks. A talk event about this demonstration was held with Panasonic on April 23. [OriHime Expands "Workplace" for People with Mobility Difficulties into Companies] Previously, for individuals with mobility difficulties due to disabilities to participate in corporate work, it was assumed that they would "go to the site." However, by utilizing the avatar robot OriHime, they can "be present" in the company's office from their homes, etc., and perform tasks while interacting with employees. In this demonstration, the task of "creating employee introduction articles" within Panasonic was handled by individuals with mobility difficulties (OriHime pilots) who regularly provide customer service at the avatar robot cafe. By combining OriHime, video conferencing, and chat tools, the entire process from conducting interviews to writing articles was completed remotely. This result demonstrated in an actual business setting that the concept of "on-site participation being natural" can be overturned, and the scope of work for individuals with mobility difficulties can be expanded through the power of technology. [Communication Skills Change Perceptions, Leading to "Colleagues Working Together"] In this demonstration, the communication skills of the OriHime pilots, who usually work at the avatar robot cafe, were highly evaluated by Panasonic employees who cooperated in the interviews. Out of 17 participating employees, 16 showed a positive change in their perception of the "ability and motivation for work" of individuals with disabilities. All responded that they "want to work with individuals with disabilities" (10 said "strongly agree," 6 said "somewhat agree"). This is believed to be the result of the OriHime pilots applying their "communication skills," "dialogue skills," and "adaptability to tasks," which they utilize in customer service, to corporate work, contributing to the formation of an image of working together with individuals with disabilities. "My values, which once thought 'it's normal not to be able to work, and it can't be helped if I can't work,' completely changed." "When OriHime's face moved and made eye contact, it felt like we were actually talking. The delicate movements of OriHime and the interviewer's skill in drawing out conversation led to very smooth communication, making it a meaningful time. I hope this initiative will increase the number of people who can work with us, even by one." "I myself had an unconscious bias against people with disabilities, but interacting with the pilot completely changed my perspective. Their high communication skills, ability to engage in conversation, quick thinking for immediate responses, and ability to pinpoint issues for deeper discussion were the most impressive aspects of their high skill level." "I was surprised by the pilot's 'ability to summarize key points,' 'ability to rephrase appropriately,' and 'insight to accurately identify points where we struggled in performing tasks,' and strongly felt that I wanted to work with such highly capable individuals." Through this demonstration, it was shown that OriHime pilots' communication skills and ability to engage with people are naturally demonstrated in a corporate setting, indicating the potential for individuals with mobility difficulties to integrate into the workplace not as "those who need consideration," but as "trusted colleagues." [Comments from those involved in this demonstration] Akari Koizumi, Department Head of Employee Success Promotion Department & DEI and Organizational Development Office Manager, Panasonic Corporation Panasonic inherits the founder Konosuke Matsushita's philosophy of "building people before building products," and promotes creating an environment where each individual can 'UNLOCK' their potential and continue to challenge themselves. Among the current challenges in employing people with disabilities, we see the lack of opportunities for skill demonstration as a significant loss of opportunity. We believe that individuals with disabilities can demonstrate their skills and potential and create value within the business. Shunho Aika, Business Development Team Manager, Business Division, Ory Laboratory In the field of disability employment, where there are no clear answers, I believe it is highly significant for an influential company like Panasonic to take a new step. We hope that this demonstration will serve as an opportunity to expand employment that values individual potential, unconstrained by physical limitations. Ory Laboratory will continue to collaborate with companies and local governments to implement remote work systems utilizing OriHime in society. We will expand new forms of employment that allow each individual's abilities to be demonstrated, aiming to realize "enriching work options for individuals with mobility difficulties."