East Japan Railway Co., on Monday started a pilot project under which a humanoid robot serves visitors in English, Chinese and Japanese. Placed in front of the travel service center at the Marunouchi north exit, the 90-cm, 15-kg Emiew3 can respond questions on directions on trains leaving and arriving at the station as well as shops and restaurants within the station. It can also provide information on tourist attractions around the station. The robot, developed by Hitachi, Ltd., will be in service on weekdays through Oct. 28, for JR East to test its ability to comprehend questions and whether it can recognize people's voices in a crowded, noisy environment. Emiew3, which can also show maps through a screen on its back, is also being tested at Haneda airport.