How robots are improving Japanese seniors' quality of life

How robots are improving Japanese seniors' quality of life - In Shin-tomi's nursing home in Tokyo you will find robots keeping company and entertaining residents. The idea that human contact is important seems to be refuted in Japan and the technology used to treat the elderly is increasingly popular.

While Western society still regards robots with some skepticism, in Japan, robots are portrayed by the media as friendly and helpful.

The Japanese government sees this technology as an added value to deal with the care of the growing elderly population and the reduction of the workforce.

Do you believe this technology is the future? Click on the images and make your own conclusions.

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Friend - This is Yoichi Suzuki. In his hands is an 'AIBO,' a robot dog that his father used to keep him company and to help him rehabilitate in the last years of his life.

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Using 'AIBO' - Yoichi Suzuki also uses this robot dog to take care of his mother and keep her company.

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'AIBO' - This robot is very popular in Japan and in Yoichi Suzuki's home it is considered a friend. An 'easier' option for anyone who wants a dog.

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Stroll - The small 'AIBO' strolls through the house, while Yoichi Suzuki and his wife care for Yoichi's mother.

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Company - Yoichi Suzuki also uses 'AIBO' as a pet and to keep him company.

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No fear - These robots are more widely accepted in Japan. The Japanese use them for various tasks and are not afraid of this technology.

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'AIBO' at home - 'AIBO' is widely used in nursing homes. There are several different models of this robot dog. This is one of the latest.

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Fun - For this elderly woman, calling 'AIBO' and playing with it is just like having fun with a real dog.

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Auxiliar - It's not just nursing home residents who need robots. Nurses also make use of helpful devices. In this photo, a nurse uses a 'Muscle Suit' to help him carry a patient with ease.

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'HAL' - The nurse is using 'HAL,' an auxiliary motion robot that provides exoskeletal lumbar support.

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Socializing - A resident touches 'Pepper,' one of the robots used in the nursing home.

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The rhythm of 'Pepper' - The elderly residents in Shin-tomi's home copy Pepper's movements, interacting with the robot.

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'PARO' - They may look like cuddly toys, but in fact these are 'PARO.' The robot seals respond to touch and are used as company robots.

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Walking aid - In this image we can see the robot 'Tree' in the legs of one of the nursing home's resident. This technology helps to train muscles that are worn out and that make it impossible for older people to move.

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'Robohon' - 'Robohon' is a robot specialized in communication and nursing care. It is also used in nursing homes to help care for the elderly while they are resting.

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Food - The food in this nursing home is carried in this organized 'ark.'

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Robots - For these nursing home residents it is normal to be surrounded by robots, and to depend on them for entertainment and companionship. About 20 different robot models are used in this home.

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Friendly - Robots are portrayed in the Japanese media as friendly and good companions, who are able to help with a variety of tasks.

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Charging - The humanoid 'Pepper' charges its battery after spending the afternoon entertaining nursing home residents.

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Repair - There are even specialized stores in Japan that focus solely on the repair of these robotic animals. In this photo, we see an 'AIBO' awaiting repair.

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Funabashi Hiroshi - Funabashi Hiroshi is one of the men who owns a repair shop for these robots. This is also a way for the Japanese government to combat a technology deficit and invest in skilled workers.

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Parts - This 'AIBO' has reached the end of its life and is now stored in a box to be used for parts.

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Successful industry - The Japanese also think of these robots as a way to improve the economy with exports. That is, a potentially lucrative export industry that provides robots to countries such as Germany, China, and Italy could be a reality in the future.

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'AIBO' price - Sony has launched several models of this dog, but rarely export them out of Japan. These 'animals' cost between $1,000 and $1,700.

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'Pepper' price - The humanoid is one of the most expensive robots and could cost you between $20,000 and $23,000.

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'Robohon' price - The 'Robohon' costs between $1,200 and the $1,500.

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'PARO' - If you can find this adorable 'seal' for sale online, expect to spend at least $5,000.

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How robots are improving Japanese seniors' quality of life

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TRAVEL Oriental

While Western society still regards robots with some skepticism, in Japan, robots are portrayed by the media as friendly and helpful. There are even some nursing homes that are making use of this technology to help care for the elderly. Curious? Discover more!