In place of the “faces” of the robots, nicknamed “Newme”, were tablets that showed the students. Students were able to follow the event, including controlling robot movements through their computers at home. As the names were called, the robots moved around the room to get their diplomas. While university officials applauded, the institution’s president, Kenichi Ohmae, placed the certificates in compartments attached to the bodies of the robots. “It is a completely new experience to receive a certificate in public space while I am in a private place,” noted Kazumi Tamura, when obtaining her master’s degree. The ceremony was restricted to four graduates at a time so that all students could attend graduation. The university hopes other institutions will be inspired by this practice so that agglomerations are avoided.
