Running for a Dream-Fueled Society: The Role of Olympic Torchbearers, as stated by Akito Goto: "A Future Realized through Robotic Achievements"

Akito Goto, an Assistant Manager at Toyota's Frontier Research Center, has been making waves in the world of robotics. Joining Toyota in 2007, Goto has been instrumental in the development of robots such as 'Winglet' and 'Welwalk.' His latest endeavour, however, is far from ordinary.

Goto, who is practicing running with a Human Support Robot partner for the Olympic Torch Relay, sees this partnership as a reflection of the future where robots can serve as colleagues and partners to people with disabilities. For Goto, the relay is more than just a run; it's a symbol of the potential of technology to create new opportunities for those who need it most.

Goto's participation in the relay was a challenge for him due to his impairment, but he saw it as an opportunity to demonstrate the potential of robots to help people with disabilities. His goal is to help create a society where dreams can be achieved with the help of robots, and he hopes that his actions will inspire others to imagine a future where this is a reality.

Beyond the Olympic Torch Relay, Goto is also involved in other significant projects. In 2019, he returned to robot development and is currently working on a project applying robotics technology to logistics to create a better environment in automobile parts warehouses.

A notable project Goto is working on is the development of a new 'remote working paradigm' where people at Toyota Loops can connect with the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo and provide support to guests in wheelchairs by remotely operating robots. This project is part of a larger focus on the development of life-assist robot technology for Tokyo 2020, which includes a focus on people with disabilities or impairments.

Goto's work with Toyota Loops, a subsidiary of Toyota where people with disabilities work, is a testament to his desire to create a society where anyone can realize their dreams. This desire was a driving force behind his decision to join Toyota in 2007.

Goto's application for the torchbearer role highlighted his desire to deliver a message about the importance of supporting people with disabilities and the potential of technology to create new opportunities for them. Upon being selected as an Olympic torchbearer for Tokyo 2020, Goto felt honored to be entrusted with the 'hopes and desires' of the people around him.

Goto hopes that his participation in the relay will inspire people in similar situations to him to take on new challenges and believe in their ability to achieve their dreams with the help of robots. His journey serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of technology to transform lives and create a more inclusive society.

Running for a Dream-Fueled Society: The Role of Olympic Torchbearers, as stated by Akito Goto: "A Future Realized through Robotic Achievements"