By Kyodo News International, Tokyo

Jun. 10--OITA -- Aeon Kyushu Co., a member of the Aeon Co. group, began test-using an "enon" multi-task robot capable of offering shoppers greetings and guidance at a store in Oita city, Oita Prefecture, on Saturday.

The humanoid robot, developed by Fujitsu Frontech Ltd. and Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., started reception duties as a "shop clerk" at Jusco Park Place Oita store.

It is the second time for the 130-centimeter-high robot, which moves on wheels, to interact directly with customers. The robot was tested out at an Aeon supermarket in Yachiyo, Chiba Prefecture, last December.

The robot is capable of detecting the presence of people and offering greetings when a customer stands in front of it as well as carrying garbage and leading customers to where they want to go.

It can interact with humans via voice and a touch screen.

Aeon plans to use the robot on a trial basis at Jusco Park Place Oita on Saturdays and Sundays through July 9.

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Source: Kyodo News International, Tokyo

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