Japanese robots: Real-life 'care bears'
Japan's vision of the future is dovetailing perfectly with the tranquil scenes at the beginning of a dystopian horror movie in which robots are still our friends
The robot Riba may one day reduce the national need for nurses, but will no doubt increase the need for scientists to stand over the robot and make sure it doesn't rise up against its human masters.
Japanese robots aren't just the protagonists of anime shows or expensive vanity projects from manufacturing companies. They're also the proposed solution for Japan's biggest future crisis: an excess of helpless elderly and a lack of young labor to care for them.
Enter RIBA -- "Robot for Interactive Body Assistance" -- who is being developed to carry frail human figures from their wheelchairs to their favorite spot in bed right before "Mito Komon" comes on TV. Rather than adopting the visage of a Stormtrooper or horrifically creepy humanoid, RIBA's face has been painted to look like a bear.
Bears, as we all know, are not ferocious wild animals who sometimes claw humans to death, but powerful yet cuddly balls of fur.
Unfortunately, these ultra-strong robobears won't hit the market for years, so the current generation of elderly will have to keep pretending to enjoy the company of their live-in nurses. Japanese robots will not just solve the nursing crisis, but afford us the luxury of never having to be being social with others again.
More on RIBA's specs at Pink Tentacle.
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