It is estimated that 40% of the population in Japan will be over 65 by 2055.
At the same time, there will be an estimated 16% decrease in the size of the
workforce by 2030. This shortage of labor presents a serious challenge:
Who will look after all the people in their golden years? There are simply not
enough younger people to care for this older population. And with the breakdown
of traditional family responsibilities a growing number of elderly are living away
from their families and the family care they have been given in the past
Robots to the rescue Robotic beds that are controlled by voice can change
from a bed to a wheelchair on command. The robotic bear nurse can lift patients
who weigh up to 135 pounds (61 kilos) And for comfort and friendship a soft
robotic pet seal has been designed to show emotions with facial expressions.
movement, and noises, and to respond to touch
These are just a few of the
inventions that are so promising Robots are the future of elder care.