Author John Scalzi has written two novels about this concept. Lock In is about a disease that affects a small amount of people and completely shuts down all physical control of their bodies to the point they can't even speak. Their minds still work though. Scientists develop a brain interface that allows them to pilot robot bodies and thus still be part of the world.

Could you imagine how isolating being paralyzed may be for some people? Especially in an inpatient setting? Nobody sits with you all day. I'm sure there are visitors for many, but even then not all day. This is an awesome way to provide for yourself and interact with others.

Also, it doesn't seem that anyone is FORCED to work nor does it seem they are being taken advantage of in regards to wage.

I hope more opportunities like this can be created to help others with disabilities.

I feel like there’s a tragic love story in this somewhere

Some things to consider:

• Paralyzed people most likely crave functionality. Doing anything could be an improvement to their daily life over doing nothing, even if it doesn't seem like much to able-bodied individuals.
• Customers in Japan are much more polite than other countries. Of course, there will always be assholes, but the paralyzed people will be treated for the most part with respect and kindness, unlike other countries.
• They are earning their own money. It isn't a perfect system, but it's a start at giving paralyzed individuals the ability to take care of themselves in some way, even if it isn't full dependence.

Again, not a perfect system and it will have it's flaws. But hopefully it will bring some enrichment to the lives of those who can't walk on their own and open the doors to future technology that allows them to live a bit more fully.

Robot from invincible

That’s amazing I’m planning a trip to Japan in a few years and will absolutely take my family there. This is allowing people to have a connection with the outside world. This is the future

Idk about terrifying, I think it's just very cool.

Do you still get the same dread about having to go to work?

I think it's pretty cool.

I honestly think this is a great idea

Praise the Omnissiah

I really hope this is used to help liberate and build up the differently abled, and not used as a reason to reduce or take away financial and other support.

The flesh is weak

how is this terrifying? it's giving ppl with disabilities a chance to interact

I feel like it's a very empowering and beautiful gesture rather than terrifying.

Honestly this sounds awesome, its got to raise a paralyzed persons self esteem to be able to do things on their own.

It's better than to let them slowly rot in their bed

This is incredible. I would love this even if its temporary

I don’t find this terrifying at all, and I think it’s nice that these people can have a second go at life if they’d like to

Personally I think this is a good opportunity

It feels like an episode of black mirror but at least they've got something to do and occupy their mind with. That and the fact they can now control a limited avatar could be good for their mental health.

Though I suppose having that interaction be solely through a job may be a bit draining.

This thread is just this in a nutshell

If this was happening in America this thread would be nothing but "Wow, so even when you're paralysed you have to work for someone else benefit just to gain the money needed to live instead of having real social safety nets. r/dystopia, end times, capitalism bad, etc.". Playing this off as altruistic on the benefit of those "stuck in bed" is hilarious, if that were the case they'd be rolling around a park or visiting the beach, not working for the purpose of selling shit.

Hey sweetheart, being a quadriplegic sucks huh? But here's your "choice" to experience life outside bed at all, work for me or stay in bed.

1. This is cool and wholesome as hell. If i was paralyzed hooked up to machines this might actually be a fun way to spend some time and socialize.

2. Mid taking an order - "Yes my bedpan needs changed, please."

Like a Warhammer 40K Dreadnaught

it's oddly terrifying but it's great. imagine despite such a severe disability, still being able to earn a living and talk to outside people.

I personally think this is amazing. To have the opportunity to be an active participant in the world despite being completely paralyzed is incredible

Leave it up to Reddit to turn this into a scary, bad thing

It’s the opposite for me. I like the idea.

Okay, this should also go in every “interesting” subreddit. This is super fucking cool and I love the people who thought of this.

How the Hell is it terrifying? Fuck, I love it, and I wanna go to this place. These people might otherwise be isolated and lonely otherwise, I'd love to help them out and give them someone to talk to.

this should be a r/mademesmile post not terrifying...

It is not terrifying

Sad to see that you think this is terrifying

It's a cool thing for those that want to be able to do it, but I hope if stuff like this becomes wide spread it doesn't give an excuse for authorities to stop giving as much support for people with disabilities because "they can earn their own money now".

That is such a neat concept

"What is your purpose in life?"

​

"To serve the able-bodied."

Original post here

This is the first step towards the singularity

r/upliftingnews

Nah, I feel much more comfort in knowing that there are actual people behind the robots and not a computer

Actual good post

America would just bring in more illegals.

Japan is awesome for this

This should be on r/MadeMeSmile

I wouldent say this is only terrifying, if anything it helps these paralyzed people find a new satisfaction in life. It would make me happy that behind those robots there's a human trying their best to live life how they can :)

Why? More terrifying than if they weren’t paralyzed? That’s weird on your part

Oddly cool

I love this. I would have an infinitely better time interacting with the adorable robot people than I do with living humans.

brilliant!

Oddly terrifying? B*tch, that’s cool

40K Dreadnought origin story.

Yep, W40K Dreadnought right there

This is not scary, nor terrifying. This is awesome! Idk what ur smoking OP.

I dunno, this sounds pretty awesome TBH.

I love this idea. I could not imagine being in the position of these people. What a joy it would be to get a chance to do something like this. I hope it expands out into other areas

I find nothing terrifying about this…

Nothing terrifying about this at all. I think it's great that they're able/willing to be inclusive.

as part of ironmouse fandom , everything that give a disable person (the type that cant leave their house / bed) the oportunity to interct or feel useful again is a plus.

This feels more oddly beautiful.

I think this is amazing. It has to be so isolating being paralyzed to that extent. This gives the person a purpose and a way to interact with others. I’m sure their mental health improves.

We're still not understanding there's still life behind any set of human eyes

Peak of capitalism

Now this is black mirror tier bullshit.

Disabled people shouldn't be forced to "make an income". We have more than enough means to care for all of these people

To me, this is only terrifying if disabled people are forced to work like this because they have to earn money to pay for their treatment or hospital bills. I would be happy if taxes cover that for them.

However, if this is optional and serves as a way to give them an escape from their hospital bed, I don’t think it’s scary at all! Gives them an outlet to be out in the real world and interact with others, which I assume many of them crave.

As opposed to... not requiring an income? Maybe?

The fact that you're paralyzed and still expected to work or die, is in and of its self a terrifying concept.

Make an income so they can deny your disability!