Japan plans to build homes with robotic assistants

Tokyo-based startup MW has unveiled the concept of Living Home — a residential property equipped with an integrated system of AI-powered robotic assistants. The developers compare the system to JARVIS from the films featuring Tony Stark, El.kz reports.

The key feature of Living Home is a set of robotic arms that move along dedicated ceiling-mounted rails. Powered by AI and sensors, the robotic arms will be capable of performing routine household tasks, including putting away shoes, folding laundry, unpacking groceries, setting the table, and tidying the kitchen.

Once the tasks are completed, the robotic arms retract to the ceiling. According to the developers, when stored in this position, the system occupies approximately the same amount of space as a conventional air-conditioning unit.

MW founder Shuzo Narita considers the ceiling-mounted system a more practical and safer alternative to bipedal humanoid robots, particularly in the context of Japan’s relatively small residential apartments.

The startup has already secured more than $20 million in funding. The first such home is expected to be sold in Tokyo in 2028. By 2035, the company aims to scale production to up to 10,000 robotic homes per year.

The price of a Living Home is expected to start at $1.4 million. In addition, owners will have to pay $35 to $70 per month for maintenance of the robotic system.