https://www.npr.org/sections/tokyo-olympics-live-updates/2021/07/30/1022984439/say-hello-to-the-tokyo-olympic-robots Accessibility links * Skip to main content * Keyboard shortcuts for audio player * Open Navigation Menu * NPR logo * * * NPR Shop * Close Navigation Menu * Home * News Expand/collapse submenu for News + National + World + Politics + Business + Health + Science + Technology + Race & Culture * Arts & Life Expand/collapse submenu for Arts & Life + Books + Movies + Television + Pop Culture + Food + Art & Design + Performing Arts + Life Kit * Music Expand/collapse submenu for Music + #NowPlaying + Tiny Desk + All Songs Considered + Music News + Music Features + Live Sessions * Shows & Podcasts Expand/collapse submenu for Shows & Podcasts Daily + [morning-ed] Morning Edition + [we_otheren] Weekend Edition Saturday + [we_otheren] Weekend Edition Sunday + [all-things] All Things Considered + [fresh-air] Fresh Air + [up-first] Up First Featured + [no-comprom] No Compromise + [updatedoow] On Our Watch + [nprthrough] Throughline + [rt_homefro] Rough Translation + More Shows & Podcasts * Search * * NPR Shop * NPR Music NPR Music * #NowPlaying * Tiny Desk * All Songs Considered * Music News * Music Features * Live Sessions * About NPR * Diversity * Organization * Support * Careers * Connect * Press * Ethics Say Hello To The Tokyo Olympic Robots : Live Updates: The Tokyo Olympics The field support robot will be fetching all sorts of objects during the weekend's track and field events. It's one of several robots designed to make the games more user-friendly and efficient. NPR's coverage of the Olympics Live Updates: The Tokyo Olympics What you need to know about this year's Summer Games Say Hello To The Tokyo Olympic Robots * Facebook * Twitter * Flipboard * Email July 30, 20218:25 PM ET Vanessa Romo Vanessa Romo Twitter [gettyimage] Enlarge this image A Field Support Robot was used to retrieve rugby balls on day three of the Tokyo Olympics. Over the weekend, the robot will help during track and field events. Dan Mullan/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Dan Mullan/Getty Images A Field Support Robot was used to retrieve rugby balls on day three of the Tokyo Olympics. Over the weekend, the robot will help during track and field events. Dan Mullan/Getty Images Who's a good boy at the Olympics? The Field Support Robot is a good boy! The black-and-white high-tech contraption made its debut earlier this week as one of a handful of robots designed to streamline the Tokyo Olympic Games. And it can be seen again -- essentially playing fetch -- during the track and field throwing events over the weekend. 7 Things To Look For As Track And Field Begins At The Olympics Live Updates: The Tokyo Olympics 7 Things To Look For As Track And Field Begins At The Olympics The International Olympics Committee says the self-driving robot is able to suss out the "optimal path" to follow when it's chasing after hammers, javelins and all manner of objects thrown by athletes. "This will help reduce both the amount of time needed to retrieve items and the amount of human support required at events," the IOC explained. [gettyimage] Enlarge this image Toyota Motor Corp. designed mascot robots Miraitowa and Someity to help welcome visitors to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. NurPhoto via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption NurPhoto via Getty Images Toyota Motor Corp. designed mascot robots Miraitowa and Someity to help welcome visitors to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. NurPhoto via Getty Images Other robots that have been designed and put to work in a partnership between the Games organizers and Toyota include Miraitowa and Someity. The blue and pink cartoon-looking robots are the official Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics mascots. They were intended to serve as futuristic ambassadors to the public, as welcoming hosts who shake hands and wave, but that part of their job has been severely diminished during the spectator-free events. Similarly, human and delivery support robots, which look like a fancier and taller Wall-e, were developed to make the Games more comfortable. They are providing assistance to spectators in wheelchairs at the Olympic Stadium by carrying food and other items, guiding people to their seats, and providing event information. We Answered Extremely Random Questions People Had About The Olympics Sports We Answered Extremely Random Questions People Had About The Olympics "The Tokyo 2020 Games are a unique opportunity for us to display Japanese robot technology," said Hirohisa Hirukawa, leader of the Tokyo 2020 Robot Project. He added that the project will showcase the practical and real-life benefits of such machines. * Tokyo Olympics * robots * Facebook * Twitter * Flipboard * Email NPR's coverage of the Olympics Live Updates: The Tokyo Olympics What you need to know about this year's Summer Games Read & Listen * Home * News * Arts & Life * Music * Podcasts * Programs Connect * Newsletters * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Press * Contact & Help About NPR * Overview * Diversity * Ethics * Finances * Public Editor * Corrections Get Involved * Support Public Radio * Sponsor NPR * NPR Careers * NPR Shop * NPR Events * NPR Extra * Terms of Use * Privacy * Your Privacy Choices * Text Only * NPR thanks our sponsors Become an NPR sponsor