A local government office near Tokyo is hoping to boost efficiency by becoming the first city hall in the country to introduce robots.

Sagamihara City says it will bring on board so-called "robot employees."

A local firm donated the machines to help smooth operations. They'll start with simple tasks like carrying papers and bringing tea.

The city is home to several robotics companies which are developing a range of devices, such as machines that can serve customers in restaurants.

Sagamihara Mayor Motomura Kentaro said, "I hope that these robots will help to ease the burden of our employees' workloads."

City officials eventually want to use them for a variety of activities, such as guides for visitors when entering the building.