The dummy will then be used as a template to locate pieces of fabric in the appropriate position while robotic sewing arms buzz around stitching the pieces together, much like the spot-welding machines found in car factories.

ECONOMIST: Automated tailoring comes closer

Rather than visiting a kiosk to rent a bike, you'll be able to use a smartphone app to locate some available wheels, with position information broadcast by a built-in GPS. Once you find a bike you want to rent, the system will send an unlock code to your handset, which you'll enter into a handlebar-mounted PIN pad.

ENGADGET: NTT DoCoMo Shared Bicycle Initiative hands-on (video)