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 simply not enough younger people to care for this order population. And with the breakdown of the 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 weight 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.