Is this VR robot the future of Japan’s railway labour force?

This part-Gundam, part-crane robot can lift heavy objects up to 10 metres into the air. The prototype can repair overhead railway lines that are hard to reach. By replacing humans in the dangerous task, it also helps workers avoid the risk of falling and electrocution.  West Japan Railway, which developed the VR robot with two other Japanese companies, says it can reduce human labour by one-third and expects the robot to be in full service by early 2024.