Avatar robots replace Japanese students for graduation ceremony

Students graduate using robots

The ceremony in Tokyo’s BBT University

went ahead despite graduates being at home

Their faces were projected on tablets

and attached to avatar robots

Students logged on remotely

to control the 'Newme' robots

and receive their diplomas

(SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) MASTER'S DEGREE GRADUATE, KAZUKI TAMURA, SAYING:

"When I entered this university, I never thought I would control an avatar robot to receive a diploma. I think this is truly a novel experience to receive a certificate in a public area while I am in a private space."