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Bernice Chan

At Dignity Kitchen, a tablet-bearing robot greets you at the door, interacts with customers and staff, and reminds incoming guests to scan the LeaveHomeSafe contact-tracing app.
“Hello, I’m Ah Fai,” says the person on the screen. “Welcome to Dignity Kitchen. If you want any suggestions, our signature dish is the Hainan chicken rice, or the bak kut teh [pork bone tea] is very popular.”
The face and voice on the screen of the robot, Temi, belong to Kwan Siu-fai, a 44-year-old paraplegic who has been mostly housebound since an accident in 2019.
Afterwards, the former security guard was not able to find work – until he was hired by Dignity Kitchen, a social enterprise restaurant in Mong Kok where disabled people cook Singaporean hawker food.

Kwan works out of a centre operated by SAHK, a rehabilitation service organisation, a few days a week. When his shift starts at 11am, he turns on two tablets and puts on headphones with a microphone attached.
On one tablet, he launches software that allows him to see where his robot is at Dignity Kitchen. The other gives him different camera angles of the restaurant.
I’ll have a sign language lesson with that: dining differently in Mong Kok
The initiative was started by Koh Seng Choon, founder and executive director of Dignity Kitchen. He has helped hundreds of disabled people in Singapore and Hong Kong into regular employment. Now, the Singaporean wants to help paraplegics find work through SAHK.
“The idea came from James Cameron and the [film] Avatar. It’s the guy in the wheelchair and a capsule, and [they] created this cool creature. So I thought, why don’t we do the same thing, with this person at home and controlling a robot which operates in a common area, actually earning a living,” Koh explains.
“That’s what Project Dignity does … creating [jobs] for people who we feel should be engaged and be integrated into society. Nowadays, you see a lot of robots delivering goods and stuff like that, going around spraying sanitiser. Robots can do more than that. I don’t see why we can’t put humans into that combination.”

Temi isn’t designed to actually deliver food to people in Dignity Kitchen, but to allow the paraplegic – who Koh describes as “differently abled” – to interact with others through it.
Koh was prevented from travelling to inspect potential robots for the initiative by the coronavirus pandemic, so he turned to the internet for research. Although he originally thought a large model would be good, he realised one smaller than a person would be less intimidating.
In the end, Alfred Sit Wing-hang, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation and Technology, loaned two robots to Koh to use for a year. With the help of a software company based in the Hong Kong Science Park in the New Territories, they used open-sourced programming in Android to enable movement and communication with the controller behind Temi.


The other loaned robot, also called Temi, is being piloted by another paraplegic, Eddie Lau Pui-nam, at the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin.
Lau, who is 49 and speaks Cantonese, Mandarin and English, was hired by the hotel as a concierge assistant. The hotel gave him the requisite training, including the details about the property and the surrounding area so he can answer guests’ questions.
Although the pilot programme had started only a few days earlier, general manager Wilson Lee Po-lam was already enthusiastic about having Lau and Temi working in the hotel.
“The observation is that most guests are pleasantly surprised that we have this robot who is a concierge assistant. Some guests were like, ‘Well, who are you? Why do we have this robot here?’ But once Eddie started introducing himself to the guests, they were all fine,” says Lee.
“He was roaming around, taking guests from the entrance to the cafe, or to the ballroom on the lobby floor. The robot cannot do steps or go up escalators or into the lift, but the set up of our lobby is big and wide enough for Eddie to go around. We are still trying it out.”
Koh explains that the area in which Temi moves is mapped out so the controller knows where pillars, walls, doors and stairs are, and cameras show where people are. He says Kwan and Lau were initially worried about bumping into people, but soon realised that the technology helps them navigate well.

Kwan used to work in a shopping centre, but his life changed on September 4, 2019, when he was travelling to work and an elderly man fell backwards on the escalator in front of him.
To stop him from falling over, Kwan tried to hold him up with his left hand while holding onto the handrail with his right. The weight was too much and he fell backwards, breaking his collarbone and damaging his spinal cord.
“At the time, I was still conscious and wanted to get up, but I couldn’t. My left hand was numb with no strength, and my neck was affected. I was thinking I needed to call my employer to tell them I was injured and couldn’t go to work, but the paramedics told me to call my family and tell them I going to hospital.”

Kwan had three surgeries. The first one was successful, but the other two resulted in complications and he has to take medication to lessen the pain in his spinal cord.
“I didn’t want to be a burden to my elderly parents, I didn’t want to be a vegetable,” he says, which is why he is grateful to have this chance to work for Dignity Kitchen.
“Lots of people have helped me. Each time I have a problem, SAHK and Dignity Kitchen help me solve it. I’m very happy. They are solving issues I never thought of before.”
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Lau, who used to work in shipping logistics, is also thrilled to have a job again. Last September, Lau began to have problems with his balance, like falling over when running for the bus. He was eventually diagnosed with angioma, a benign growth of blood vessels, in his brain.
“The worst was when I could only move my head,” recalls Lau. “After medicine and rehabilitation, I am a bit better with some movement, but my fingers aren’t that dexterous. Today, I am more flexible and can do some exercises.”
Lee says Lau only works twice a week, so the hotel plans to recruit more people to control Temi on the other days. That way, there will be someone manning the robot seven days a week for a few hours each day, such as when guests check in and out. If the pilot is deemed workable, the hotel chain may eventually have Temi robots in all four of its properties in Hong Kong.
“The most important thing for me is the heart, that this operator wants to do it and wants to have that experience of running around in the hotel and meeting people, helping guests,” says Lee. “We love Eddie.”

Koh says these robots can be used in hospitals, restaurants, shopping centres, airports and seniors’ homes – places where there is a strong 5G network. He has already had discussions with corporate group Chinachem about putting a robot in the Central Market, and at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, also in Central.
“I see robots answering questions, but the face [tends to be] a cartoon face. They must make it humanised,” Koh says. “So it is a matter of combining technology and social together, and that will create jobs. You can see the actual person and they can talk to you, engage you.
“The psychological impact is even greater – we give hope to the person who is controlling the robot, and they are earning a living.”
Kwan says he has only had good experiences working remotely for Dignity Kitchen.
“The guests ask me where I am, and I tell them I’m in Ma On Shan, and they give me a thumbs up. They think I have the heart to do this and that I’m doing well.”


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Robotics

These robots in hotels and restaurants are controlled by real people – how remote jobs are giving 2 paraplegic Hongkongers a new lease of life

Dignity Kitchen founder Koh Seng Choon (right) with paraplegic Eddie Lau (on the tablet screen) who operates Temi, the robot, remotely. Photo: May Tse

Kwan Siu-fai works remotely to control the robot for Dignity Kitchen. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

When Kwan’s shift starts at 11am, he turns on two tablets and puts on headphones with a microphone attached. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Wilson Lee Po-lam, the general manager of the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin, is enthusiastic about having Lau and Temi working in the hotel.

Koh says the robots can be used in hospitals, restaurants, shopping centres, airports and seniors’ homes, assuming there is a strong 5G network. Photo: May Tse

Kwan says he has only had good experiences working remotely for Dignity Kitchen. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Hong Kong elderly centre gets a robot receptionist who answers questions, gives health tips and compliments visitors too

Tung Zai, the robot receptionist at the Fong Shiu Yee Neighbourhood Elderly Centre in Sau Mau Ping Estate. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Elderly from Chu Sau-lin try the Robot at Tung Wah Group Hospital’s Fong Siu-yee Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, they appoints a robot as its communications with elders at Sau May Ping. 24SEP21 SCMP/ K. Y. Cheng

Elderly from left Kwok Kwai-lin, Chu Sau-lin and Leung Wai-ha try the Robot at Tung Wah Group Hospital’s Fong Siu-yee Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, they appoints a robot as its communications with elders at Sau May Ping. 24SEP21 SCMP/ K. Y. Cheng

At this Japanese robot cafe, staff can serve customers while working from home

A humanoid robot delivers drinks to customers at the Dawn Cafe in Tokyo. Photo: AFP

In this picture taken on August 17, 2021, a humanoid robot delivers drinks to customers at the Dawn Cafe in Tokyo. - The cafe's launch comes with the Paralympics due to open on August 24 and disability advocates debating Japan's progress on inclusion and accessibility. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) / TO GO WITH Paralympics-2020-2021-Japan-Disabled-Rights-Employment-Robot by Shingo ITO

This picture taken on August 17, 2021 shows miniature humanoid robots named OriHime at the Dawn Cafe in Tokyo. - The cafe's launch comes with the Paralympics due to open on August 24 and disability advocates debating Japan's progress on inclusion and accessibility. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) / TO GO WITH Paralympics-2020-2021-Japan-Disabled-Rights-Employment-Robot by Shingo ITO

In this picture taken on August 17, 2021, Kentaro Yoshifuji, an entrepreneur who co-founded the robotics company Ory Laboratory, poses at the Dawn Cafe in Tokyo. - The cafe's launch comes with the Paralympics due to open on August 24 and disability advocates debating Japan's progress on inclusion and accessibility. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) / TO GO WITH Paralympics-2020-2021-Japan-Disabled-Rights-Employment-Robot by Shingo ITO

In this picture taken on August 17, 2021, a humanoid robot (C) delivers drinks to customers at the Dawn Cafe in Tokyo. - The cafe's launch comes with the Paralympics due to open on August 24 and disability advocates debating Japan's progress on inclusion and accessibility. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) / TO GO WITH Paralympics-2020-2021-Japan-Disabled-Rights-Employment-Robot by Shingo ITO

New York, the Netherlands, now Hawaii: robot police dogs have been deployed to help keep people safe, but will they abuse human rights?

Spot, a robotic Honolulu police dog, stands outside department headquarters during a demonstration to reporters. Photo: AP

The Honolulu police demonstrate a robotic dog. Police departments say the canine bots are used like drones or other robots to keep humans safe. Photo: AP/Jennifer Sinco Kelleher

Spot, a robotic police dog in Honolulu, Hawaii, stands outside the department headquarters. Photo: AP/Jennifer Sinco Kelleher

The New York Police Department used robot dog Digidog, during an operation, but later terminated their contract for the robot. Photo: YouTube

A robot dog from Boston Dynamics walks across the Rathausmarkt during a PR appointment in Hamburg, Germany. Photo: Daniel Reinhardt via Getty Images

Spot trots during a demonstration for reporters in May 2021. Photo: AP/Jennifer Sinco Kelleher

Spot the robot dog puts on a demonstration, at Brigham And Women’s Hospital in Boston, in the US. Photo: Getty Images

The hotel of the future: robot butlers, smartphone-controlled beds and guest rooms on wheels on the agenda for Knowledge of Design Week

Bed XYZ, one of the concepts in the Hotel of Tomorrow project, features engineered fabrics that control the temperature of the bed and filter air pollutants.

The Hotel Rover concept is an autonomous adventure vehicle that provides mobile hospitality on the road.

The Journey Pebble concept is a digital wearable that shares a guest’s preferences with the hotel.

The Outside In, Inside Out concept aims to bring indoors the calming and healing properties of the outdoors.

Multilingual robots could allow guests to drink or dine outside the hotel’s restaurants or bars.

Friend, kitchen staff, yoga finder: at CES 2021, robots are a highlight, having shown their worth in the coronavirus pandemic

The pandemic is helping robots like this one from Misty Robotics prove their worth – and they take centre stage at CES 2021, the world’s biggest consumer electronics show. Photo: AFP

In this undated image courtesy of CareClever SAS, Françoise and Olivier, at their home in France, enjoy a live activity hosted from the Beaux Arts Museum in France on the Cutii robot. - Robots which helped people survive and stay safe during over the past year are touting their value at the tech industry's annual extravaganza after a pandemic which has given fresh momentum to the robotics sector. The Consumer Electronics Show, which is being held online this year due to the global crisis, includes robots which for many people have become "heroes" of the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Handout / CareClever SAS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /COURTESY OF CARECLEVER SAS/HANDOUT" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS / TO GO WITH AFP STORY by Rob LEVER, "Pandemic's robot 'heroes' show their merit at tech show"

This image released courtesy of Misty Robotics shows Misty, a programmable personal robot, in December 2020 in Boulder, Colorado. - The 2021 Consumer Electronics Show kicked off on January 11, 2021 as a virtual event, aiming to showcase technology innovations from around the world in an event forced by the pandemic to go online. Robots which helped people survive and stay safe during over the past year are touting their value at the tech industry's annual extravaganza after a pandemic which has given fresh momentum to the robotics sector. The Consumer Electronics Show, which is being held online this year due to the global crisis, includes robots which for many people have become "heroes" of the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Allison Moulton / MISTY ROBOTICS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / MISTY ROBOTICS / ALLISON MOULTON" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS / TO GO WITH AFP STORY by Rob LEVER, "Pandemic'

In this undated image courtesy of CareClever SAS, a group of elderly French people learns about the Cutii robot for use in their homes. - Robots which helped people survive and stay safe during over the past year are touting their value at the tech industry's annual extravaganza after a pandemic which has given fresh momentum to the robotics sector. The Consumer Electronics Show, which is being held online this year due to the global crisis, includes robots which for many people have become "heroes" of the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Handout / CareClever SAS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO /BCOURTESY OF CARECLEVER SAS/HANDOUT " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS / TO GO WITH AFP STORY by Rob LEVER, "Pandemic's robot 'heroes' show their merit at tech show"

This December 15, 2020, handout image courtesy of RoboEatz, shows the robotics startup's food serving robot, part of its its artificial intelligence-powered autonomous robotic kitchen system that prepares, cooks and serves an array of hot and cold food dishes from soups to salads to meal bowls. - The 2021 Consumer Electronics Show kicked off January 11, 2021 as a virtual event, aiming to showcase technology innovations from around the world in an event forced by the pandemic to go online.Robots which helped people survive and stay safe during over the past year are touting their value at the tech industry's annual extravaganza after a pandemic which has given fresh momentum to the robotics sector. The Consumer Electronics Show, which is being held online this year due to the global crisis, includes robots which for many people have become "heroes" of the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by - / RoboEatz / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / RoboEatz" - NO MARK

Lifestyle


Paraplegics Kwan Siu-fai and Eddie Lau remotely operate customer service robots at a restaurant and a Hyatt hotel, taking orders and directing guests
It’s part of Project Dignity, created by Singaporean engineer and entrepreneur Koh Seng Choon who was inspired by the movie Avatar



Paraplegics Kwan Siu-fai and Lau Pui-nam remotely operate customer service robots at a restaurant and a Hyatt hotel, part of an initiative created by a Singaporean entrepreneur.


Robots

Hong Kong

Singapore