Japan eyes robots to support aging population

Shimoyama is among a group of University of Tokyo researchers who are working with counterparts from seven leading Japanese firms -- including Toyota Motor Corp, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd -- to develop robotic and information technology that will lead to a new generation of robots in the next 15 years.

"If you leave clothes lying around, a robot might pick them up for you and put them in the washing machine," Shimoyama said. "Once they are dry it might fold them up and put them away."

Prototypes of new robots capable of performing mundane tasks will be unveiled in 18 months.

Such machines do not need to be humanoid, although robots that resemble people have some advantages, said Shimoyama, who researched humanoid droids earlier in his career.

Two-legged, humanoid robots such as Honda Motor Co Ltd's ASIMO would likely have an easier time climbing up stairs inside homes than a robot that moves on wheels, developers say.

But it will be some time before such devices make their way into people's homes.

"They may look smart, but they are still quite stupid," Shimoyama said. "I don't think they will ever be as smart as humans."

While safety is an obvious concern, robots also need to be sensitive to people's needs.

Researchers at Fujitsu Frontech Ltd and Fujitsu Laboratories responsible for developing "enon", a guide and patrol robot designed for use in shopping malls and corporate facilities, are working on this.

Enon, which has a humanoid upper body but no legs, is equipped with a touch screen on its chest and space in its belly to carry loads weighing up to 10 kg.