Lawson is one of the big chain convenience stores in Japan. I read an interesting announcement about its first avatar-staffed store in Tokyo. The store is staffed remotely by employees, which makes it possible for those with mobility issues to join its workforce. With the exception of paying bills, remotely controlled avatars will tend to customers by way of monitors installed at self-serve checkout counters and in product aisles. The employees will be represented by male and female avatars named Aoi or Sorato. The chain expects to open 100 avatar-staffed stores by 2025.
