The Soft Side of Robots: Elderly Care in Japan

Japan has long been renowned for its high technology and innovation in the field of robotics. In recent times, it has taken this technology along with its high level of customer service to an even greater level to help make our lives that little bit easier and more comfortable in Japan.


Some examples of this can be found in the world’s first hotel fully staffed by robots in Nagasaki, as well as Japanese companies using drones to deliver goods and basic necessities to the elderly living in remote areas of the country. For more information on robots, check out the Financial Times website.

Japan is one of the world’s fastest ageing societies with a quarter of its population over the age of 65. A low birth rate and very little immigration has led to a shortage of young people to look after its ageing population, forcing it to look into robotic solutions. Automotive giant, Toyota has been actively engaged in robotic research since 2000 in order to help provide practical and affordable tools for elderly care.

Many other companies in Japan are also involved in designing and building robots to provide cost effective care for the elderly. This robot revolution in Japan is aimed at helping to provide the elderly with therapeutic care as well as emotional and physical support.

The financial Times have made an interesting documentary called "In Caring for the Elderly", that takes a look at how Japan is using robotic technology to  provide emotional and physical care to the elderly.

Japanese Hair Washing Robot

Japanese giant Panasonic has come up with a robot that can wash and blow dry hair. The product due for release next year is aimed to help the elderly population in Japan, and is seen as being a great aid to the rapidly increasing ageing population.

The washing robot can replicate the dexterous touch of a human hand and Panasonic believes the robot could help replace human care-givers in Japan.

The robot has 24 robotic fingers and 2 motorised arms, and shampoos, massages the scalp and rinses in about three minutes. Conditioning and a blow-dry add another five minutes to the process. Panasonic hopes to export the robot to other ageing societies such as South Korea and China, in the future.