Lawson and AVITA announce Collaboration to Introduce Avatar Technology in Convenience Stores

AVACOM to Be Introduced at “Green Lawson,” a Next-Generation Store Concept

AVITA Inc. (Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hiroshi Ishiguro; hereinafter “AVITA”) and Lawson, Inc. (Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Sadanobu Takemasu; hereinafter “Lawson”) have begun a collaboration to introduce avatar-based services in convenience stores. The initiative aims to create new workstyles free from constraints such as time, location, age, gender, and physical limitations, while also establishing safer and more efficient customer service models in the post-COVID era.

Lawson has long pursued a vision of creating a “warm future” by integrating digital transformation (DX) with physical retail. AVITA believes that avatar technology can expand human potential and create new opportunities for individuals. Sharing a common vision, the two companies began joint verification efforts using AVITA’s avatar technology in April 2022.

As the first phase of this partnership, Lawson will introduce AVITA’s remote avatar customer service platform AVACOM (https://avita.co.jp/en/avacom) at “Green Lawson,” a next-generation concept store scheduled to open in Tokyo at the end of November 2022. The avatars will support customer inquiries, explain new products, and participate in collaborative entertainment initiatives with VTubers, enabling a new style of communication within convenience stores.

Starting September 22, Lawson began accepting applications on its official website for “Green Lawson” avatar workers. Lawson plans to hire 10–30 individuals who will undergo training and begin working as avatar operators from late November.

Based on outcomes from the Green Lawson trial, Lawson plans to train 50 certified “Lawson Avatar Operators” across 10 stores in Tokyo and Osaka by FY2023. The goal is to expand this to 1,000 avatar operators nationwide by FY2025, enabling widespread adoption of remote avatar-based work.

Expanding the Possibilities of Avatar Technology

With avatar technology, a single operator can remotely support multiple stores simultaneously—an approach that was not feasible with traditional in-person staffing. Lawson and AVITA are also exploring future applications such as:

• Remote late-night security support

• Online expert consultations

• Remote sales of regional specialties

• Mobile retail services

Through this collaboration, the two companies aim to provide new employment opportunities unrestricted by physical constraints while leveraging digital technology to deliver both “new convenience” and a “warm future.”

Recruitment Overview: Lawson Avatar Operator (Green Lawson)

Application Period　(Recruitment period has ended)

　September 22 (Thu), 2022, 15:00 – October 7 (Fri), 18:00

How to Apply

Submit required information via the following link:
https://www.lawson.co.jp/lab/tsuushin/art/1458362_4659.html

Selection Schedule

• September 22: Recruitment begins / First-stage testing

• Early October: Document screening for first-round qualifiers (second-stage test)

• Mid-October: Practical skills & interview for second-stage qualifiers (final test)

• Late October: Announcement of successful applicants (notification provided individually)

• Early November: Lawson Avatar Operator Training Program (approx. 1 week)

• Mid-November: Certification as a Lawson Avatar Operator

• Late November–mid December: Start of operational duties

Job Description

Operate an in-store avatar remotely via PC from your home or designated location. Responsibilities include customer support, sales assistance, and promotional activities.

Compensation

Hourly wage: ¥1,100–¥2,000, depending on skill level as an avatar operator.

About the Avatar Customer Service “AVACOM”

AVACOM is an online customer service platform powered by AVITA’s avatar technology, generative AI, and other AI-driven capabilities.
The service supports multiple platforms and enhances customer engagement through AI-powered automation and remote (tele-operated) avatar customer service. AVACOM contributes to increasing online sales and conversions, improving inquiry-handling efficiency, reducing or eliminating on-site staffing needs at stores and reception desks, and addressing labor shortages.

Since its launch in 2022, AVACOM has already been introduced at hundreds of locations, helping organizations strengthen customer touchpoints, improve operational efficiency, and resolve staffing challenges.
The service has also enabled a new style of employment known as the “avatar worker,” in which individuals can work remotely through an avatar regardless of their physical location.

AVACOM Service Page >

If you would like to request materials (free) or try a hands-on demo of AVACOM (free), please feel free to contact us.

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