Robot cats, dogs and birds are being deployed amid an ‘epidemic of loneliness’
How many Americans are currently aged 65 and older?
There are currently 62 million Americans aged 65 and older, accounting for 18% of the total population. This figure is expected to increase to 84 million, or 23% of the population, by 2054.
Why does Japan dominate the age tech robotics market?
Japan dominates the age tech robotics market due to its aging population, eager embrace of new technology, and a culture that values the integration of robots into daily life. The country's rapidly aging population has led to a demand for innovative solutions to address issues faced by older adults, and Japanese companies have been at the forefront of developing robotics to cater to this demographic.
What is Paro and when was it developed?
Paro is a therapeutic robot baby harp seal, designed by Takanori Shibata and developed by Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology3. It was first exhibited to the public in late 2001, costing US$15 million to develop, and has been sold commercially since 2004.