From the Expo site, where you can "experience" the future
- The fusion of technology and sensibility seen in the "Robot Experience" -
Introduction: The Expo as a place to draw the blueprint for future society
I served as an external advisor for the FORUM8's 'Virtual Experience of the Moon and Space of the Future', which was the limited-time exhibit at the Robot & Mobility Station pavilion during the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025.
In this article, I would like to consider how the Expo can visualize the relationship between future society and technology through the background of the project, the exhibit content, the technological composition, and the reactions of visitors (Fig.1).
[Fig.1] Panoramic view of the pavilion
Exhibition overview: A simulated experience of space development
This exhibition was held in cooperation with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and consisted of three types of experiential content, utilizing publicly available data on actual space facilities and probes. These systems used the high-precision 3D simulation platform and VR interface developed and owned by FORUM8, providing visitors with an immersive experience (Fig.2).
- Zero-gravity swimming experience on the International Space Station "Kibo"
- Lunar rover piloting experience
- Heavy machinery operation simulation at a space construction site
These systems are designed to enhance realism by combining the control of a six-axis motion chair with that of a VR system. This applies to both visuals and physical sensations.
360 Degree Spacewalk Experience
Moon Surface Driving Simulation Experience
Space Construction Simulation Experience
[Fig.2] Simulator experience
Technology and design philosophy:
VR is means of communication
To make such an experiential exhibition a success, it is necessary to translate complex and specialized fields such as space, construction, and robotics into something that can be understood through the visitors' physical senses, rather than simply providing a visual presentation.
In particular, the experience of piloting a lunar rover effectively utilized a physics simulation engine to reproduce behavior that simulated the unique gravity and friction conditions on the lunar surface. The emphasis here was not on "futuristic" appearance, but on a design of behavior that was based on reality, where the authenticity and depth of the exhibit resides.
Visitor reactions and the social impact of the exhibit
A total of 148,159 people visited the pavilion during the exhibition period (May 1st to June 1st, 2025), of whom 57,439 experienced the systems. The pavilion was so popular that long waiting lines formed at peak times, indicating a higher level of interest than expected (Fig.3).
[Fig.3] Exhibit scenery
Many visitors enjoyed our systems, and we received comments such as 'I was surprised by how realistically the construction machine operated', 'My child became interested in space thanks to this experience', and 'I felt as if I was in zero gravity'. Also on SNS, people are posting comments such as 'I hope it collaborates with any animation' and 'I didn't expect to experience a system like this at the Expo'. The simulators are attracting attention from both the educational and amusement sectors.
This exhibition was not just an attraction, but also an attempt to raise questions to the way technology is implemented in society and the design of next-generation learning.
Toward co-creation of Expo and private companies' technology
FORUM8's VR and simulation technology have been cultivated in the unique fields such as social infrastructure and construction design. However, I feel that new meaning and value have been added to it by being applied to education, experience, and awareness-raising.
"While working as a project supervisor at the World Expo, a "testing ground for future society," it was a very meaningful experience to witness many interactions between members of the expert team and diverse visitors from around the world. I hope to continue contributing from an academic and technological perspective through exhibitions like this in the future."
Conclusion: Bridge the gap between technology and citizens.
The Osaka Kansai Expo will be held until October 13th, 2025. The "Robot & Mobility Experience" is one of the key trials to show the cutting-edge technologies to people in the open format.
This exhibition showed the process how future technology appeals to people's sensibilities, arouses their interest, and prompts them to take action. In other words, it could be said to present a concrete response to the question, "What is design that connects technology with society?"
Technology is not only a method, but also a means of engaging in dialogue with society. In the future, it is expected that these co-creation opportunities derived from 'experience' will expand further.
(Translation of the Japanese article written by Tomohiro Fukuda)
(Up&Coming '25 Summer issue)
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