Japanese Company Ohta Seiki Sees Surge in Demand for 'Monster Wolf' Robots Amid Bear Attacks
Ohta Seiki, a company based in Hokkaido, Japan, is experiencing a significant increase in orders for its 'Monster Wolf' robots. These animatronic devices are designed to scare away wild animals, particularly bears, which have been increasingly attacking humans. The 'Monster Wolf' features flashing red eyes and emits a variety of sounds to deter wildlife. The demand surge follows a record number of fatal bear attacks in Japan last year, with 13 people killed and over 50,000 bear sightings reported. The company has received around 50 orders this year, surpassing its usual annual volume. The robots are primarily ordered by farmers, golf course operators, and construction workers in rural areas. Ohta Seiki is also planning to enhance the robots by adding wheels for mobility and developing a handheld version for hikers and schoolchildren.