Are AI-powered restocking robots in Japanese convenience stores actually remotely controlled by workers in the Philippines wearing VR headsets?

Physically in Manila, but "soulfully" working at a convenience store in Tokyo! You'd never guess that the AI ​​restocking robots in Japanese convenience stores are actually controlled remotely by workers in the Philippines using VR (Virtual Reality) technology!

That's right, when you see those robots in Tokyo convenience stores silently restocking, neatly arranging drinks, and never needing a break, they might be remotely controlled by an office worker in Manila!

This system comes from the Tokyo-based startup Telexistence, while the Philippine company Astro Robotics specializes in training these remote "drivers." On call 24/7, each person needs to monitor approximately 50 robots simultaneously—truly the ultimate "one-soul-multiple-bodies" worker!

It must be said, this move by the Japanese company is both worry-free and cost-effective. However, in the Philippines, the monthly salary is only between $250 and $315 USD, which is equivalent to a mere "2,000 RMB"—no health insurance, no benefits, and the robot has to be trained to gradually replace the worker. It's a bit of a dark joke: diligently train the robot to restock today, and tomorrow the robot will prevent you from restocking.