If you grow old in Japan, expect to be served food by a robot, ride a voice-recognition wheelchair or even possibly hire a nurse in a robotic suit, all examples of cutting-edge technology to care for the country's rapidly graying population.With nearly 22 percent of Japan's population already aged 65 or older, businesses here have been rolling out everything from easy-entry cars to remote-controlled beds, fueling a care technology market worth some $1.08 billion in 2006, according to industry figures.
A full-body robotic suit developed by the Kanagawa Institute of Technology outside Tokyo is a massive contraption powered by 22 air pumps to help nurses hoist patients on and off their beds.
Sensors attached to the user's skin detects when muscles are trying to lift something heavy , and signals to the air pumps to kick in to provide support.
"It doesn't feel at all like I'm being lifted by a robot," a student said. "This feels so comfortable and very human."
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