A team of robot vacuums is helping out with the year-end cleanup at a major Tokyo shrine for the first time.

Ten of the machines joined the shrine's Shinto priests and other workers at the main building.

First there was a ceremony, and then the machines went to work, hoovering up dust swept down to the floor by the priests.

Another robot cleaned the floor of a separate hall used for sacred performances.

One of the priests said it's important that traditions evolve to incorporate new things. He said the shrine deity would surely be pleased.