RoboGrave: Technology Revolutionizes Japanese Burial Practices

In Japan’s crowded cities, burial space is at a premium. With a growing death rate attributed to the aging of the baby-boom generation, real estate is scarce, and the cost of a burial plot can top $20,000 USD. Now, in keeping with Japan’s standing as a world technology leader, funeral-services company Nichiryoku has developed a futuristic solution to the problem.

The answer? An innovative robotic retrieval system. At several locations throughout Japan, Nichiryoku maintains unique columbarium featuring underground vaults for storage of cremated remains. Family members who wish to pay their respects use a radio-frequency identification (RFID) key to locate their loved one’s remains and dispatch them to a private viewing area. From start to finish, the process takes only about 60 seconds. (Think about calling up your favorite tune on a jukebox, and you’ve got the idea.)

The Nichiryoku system features several advantages for family members:

• Worry-free maintenance. Nichiryoku staff members maintain the site, including regular placement of fresh flowers.
• Affordable cost, with an initial fee of $6,500 for the memorial and space in the vault, and an annual maintenance fee of $100. (After 3 missed payments, cremains are moved to a communal grave.)
• Webcam access. Friends and family can view the memorial stone from anywhere in the world simply by logging in.
• Security. Buildings are fortified and earthquake proof.
• Multi-denominational support, with accommodations for all religious beliefs and practices.

The storage runs 650,000 yen (about $6500 USD) for base payment for the stone memorial, and your spot in the columbarium. There are other options too, flower types, music etc. This does not include the price of a memorial or cremation service.