The Lawson convenience store chain has introduced virtual avatar clerks called “AVACOM” that will be used to remotely service customers across Japan through cash register monitors, with plans to implement the feature in over 200 stores in 2023.

With the ability to control avatars remotely, Lawson is looking to help add jobs to the workforce, including opportunities for people who have restrictions working or disabilities that prevent them from working regular jobs:

AVACOM is made in collaboration with avatar company AVITA, established by Osaka University professor Hiroshi Ishiguro. With the number of unmanned stores increasing in Japan, Lawson President Sadanabo Takemasu aims to “promote digitalization with the warmth of people and not just cold digitalization.”

Employees can remotely control avatars from their homes using computers, cameras, and microphones to respond to customers. In addition to being able to change the voices, appearance, and movements of the avatars, Lawson plans to introduce more, including collaborations with virtual YouTubers.

Lawson began recruiting candidates to test out the AVACOM at “Green Lawson” stores that will launch by the end of November. The testing will see how the avatar service performs in proposing products and explaining how to use the self-checkout.