Japan already has the world's smartest toilets, but now there are smart shoes, furniture and accessories.
You might remember Nissan's 2016 marketing manoeuvre, when the Japanese carmaker introduced a line of self-driving chairs that could autonomously glide together using cameras and sensors.
This time, the auto innovators have taken aim at traditional hospitality and everyday objects.
Drawing from the autonomous parking technology of the Nissan Leaf car, which debuted in October, the ProPILOT Park Ryokan hotel comes kitted out with all kinds of intuitive amenities.
Sadly, the ryokan isn't a long-term hotel but rather part of a pop-up project. It will be open for one night only, on March 24, when the winners of a social media contest will have a chance to stay and experience the automatic amenities.
Shoes on the move
Staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan (guesthouse) is a special experience.
For starters, the traditional wooden houses typically feature kimono-clad hosts, serene rock gardens, onsen (hot spring baths) and tatami mat rooms.
As one of Japan's most historic types of accommodation, ryokans are rarely associated with smart toilets, robots and sensors.
But the ProPILOT Park Ryokan -- located in the hot spring mountain town of Hakone, southwest of Tokyo -- is home to more than a few smart surprises, including slippers and furniture that seem to move with a mind of their own.
By the welcoming foyer, a collection of house slippers -- as it's customary to take off shoes before entering a Japanese home or temple -- organizes itself with the push of a button.
Then there's the in-room surprises, where guests find self-tidying furniture, floor cushions and accessories.
How it works
Latest Stories
-
Government to launch 5G services today
17 mins -
We’ve not increased fares; ignore contrary reports – Trasnport operators to public
21 mins -
Supreme Court and Alban Bagbin: Kwaku Azar raises concerns over consistency
30 mins -
BCI calls for intensive year-round awareness to combat breast cancer
31 mins -
Enimil Ashon: Why must winner take all?
59 mins -
Akufo-Addo has deliberately and systematically weakened independent institutions – Mahama
1 hour -
Election 2024: Mahama reaffirms commitment to investigate, prosecute corrupt officials
1 hour -
Mahama vows to probe sale of state lands
1 hour -
Unveiling the next generation of agricultural leaders with school farm competition paving the way
1 hour -
Kofi Mukaase initiative aims to reconnect Ghanaian diaspora in the UK through authentic cuisine
1 hour -
SSNIT can continuously pay pensions benefits -DG
1 hour -
Concerned Assembly Members protest alleged diversion of items by MCE
2 hours -
Man who fell to his death from Lower Volta Bridge identifiedĀ
2 hours -
Supreme Court grants AG extension of time in anti-gay bill caseĀ
2 hours -
VRA staff halt protests against planned mergers
2 hours