Tech Narita Airport launches unmanned souvenir store with cat-inspired robot 😺

At Narita Airport, a cat-shaped robot has begun selling souvenirs without human staff as part of a trial designed to tackle labour shortages and improve efficiency. The initiative, said to be the first of its kind in Japan, began last month as a collaboration between the airport and the Nomura Research Institute and will run until 15 December in the domestic departure area of Terminal 3.



At the unmanned "Pickru Store," customers choose an item on a touchscreen and pay electronically. The robot then retrieves the selected product using its tail, equipped with a small suction device, to pick an item from the shelves and place it at the collection point. The shop currently offers twelve well-known snack souvenirs, including the popular "Hiyoko Sweets."

The setup removes the risk of shoplifting since customers cannot touch the products directly. It also requires less initial investment than a typical unmanned convenience store, as there is no need for security cameras or other monitoring equipment.