Japan unveils six ambitious research goals

January 24, 2020

Tokyo--The Japanese government on Thursday set out six ambitious goals to achieve by 2050 in science and technology, including the development of an artificial intelligence robot that is physically as capable as humans.

The goals are part of the government's effort to address social issues through investment in so-called moonshot projects, which, if successful, will have an enormous impact on society.

"Japan will push ahead with moonshot research to resolve challenges facing humans," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a meeting where the goals were unveiled.

The government plans to spend more than 100 billion yen over the next five years to achieve the goals.

The goals also include the development of a remote-controlled avatar robot, super early diagnosis and prevention of diseases, sustainable resource recycling, a circulating food production system and the development of quantum computers.

For super early diagnosis and prevention of diseases, the government aims to unveil the pathogenic mechanisms behind chronic diseases such as diabetes and find a way to get patients back to health.

Sustainable resource recycling is a project to turn plastic waste into resources to tackle global warming and environmental pollution.

Under a circulating food production system, foods will be produced using microbes instead of chemical fertilizers.

At the meeting, Abe tried shaking hands and exchanging business cards with a remote-controlled avatar robot.

"These are basic actions for politicians, and I hope robots will help our activities in the future," said Abe. Jiji Press