Robotic Nation Evidence

Japan Seeks Robotic Help in Caring for the Aged

The article describes several robotic trends that can be seen in Japan today:

• A robotic bath -- esentially a big washing machine for humans.
• A robot suit, similar to an exoskeleton, used to provide mobility for the elderly.
• A 3-foot-high wheeled robot with cameras that people can control remotely to check on elderly relatives.

From the article:

So even though the human washing machine retails for almost $50,000, enough to pay a year's wages for two Filipino nurses, robotic home care may lie in the future for Japan's aging millions.

One thing you can be sure of: You will be able to buy the robotic bath tub from a robotic manufacturer for $1,000 in just a couple of years. It will have a big effect on the number of human nurses employed in Japan.