Astro Boy Ushers in Japanese Robots: Do You Need One?

Astro Boy is a Japanese manga series television program which broadcast in Japan from 1963 to 1966. This cartoon character has affected the Japanese and possibly the world more than anyone may realize. Because of the positive influence of Astro Boy, the Japanese have spent years developing robots.

Astro Boy Ushers in Japanese Robots: Do You Need One?

If you want to see something amazing and a little freaky, take a look at the videos in this article. They are a collection of Japanese robots which are very lifelike. Scientists may develop robot Football Teams and Assistance to the Elderly in the future. After studying them, the author sees a future for robots in the US and around the world.

Astro Boy & Japanese Robots: HRP-C4

The robot named HRP-C4 is a cybernetic human. She has 42 motion motors programmed to mimic runway models. She debuted March 23, 2009 at The Tokyo Fashion Show where she strutted the catwalk and pouted.

She is developed to resemble a typical Japanese female that stands 62.2 inches tall and weighs in at 95 pounds. Currently, she draws crowds for entertainment. Her developers visualize her for use in amusement parks or as an exercise instructor.

Her sale price is $200,000 although it doesn't include the outer silicon covering. The programming technology will be made public because the scientists look forward to seeing what others might use her for as well.

Astro Boy & Japanese Robots: CB2

CB2 is a child-like robot with deep sensors under its skin to give it movement. Because of these sensors, it follows any movement with its face and eyes. It is slowly developing social skills because processors beneath the silicon skin evaluate information.

The robot recognizes human touch and records emotional reactions of others. The robot has taught itself to walk and scientists believe it will be able to speak at the level of a two year old in a few years. A team of brain specialists, psychologists and scientists are working together on this government funded project. Their future plans are to have a football team of robots playing in championship World Cup games.

Astro Boy & Japanese Robots: Assist the Elderly

Another group of Sony researchers developed these cute dancing robots. These show how the Japanese develop robots for a variety of functions. Some researchers see robots helping the aging in the future. They forecast thousands of them working among humans.

Japan's population is aging. It is projected that by 2025, 40% of Japan's population will be over 65 years old. Many other countries are following suit with their aging population such as Germany, Spain and Italy. With advances in medicine, people are living longer. Scientists that are developing robots to assist the aging have programmed them to help with any number of chores. For example, a robot to watch and record everything in a room so when you ask it a question, such as if you have already taken medicine.

Another robot keeps track of where things are placed so you can find them. It is even equipped with a chair so it can take you to get the object. There are robots that lift a person in and out of bed, carry them up and down stairs and other functions that help the disabled. The scientists developing these robots hope to help the elderly that live alone. And since the Japanese have grown up with Astro Boy, they are comfortable with robots as helpers.

Astro Boy & Japanese Robots: Future in America

Since people are living longer and the world population is reaching a stage where the elderly are the major demographic, the Japanese just may be onto something with their robot development. Projections are that the worldwide population, aged 65 years, will increase 37.8% by 2050. At the same time, fertility rates are dropping.

With these numbers, the Japanese robots may become a welcome innovation for the elderly. Personally, my choice is to have a robot at home compared to moving to a nursing home when the time comes.

With the Baby Boomers reaching retirement, maybe we will see Japanese robots in use in the US before long.
The Boomers comprise 30% of the US population and are known for "doing it my way" by forging ahead while
breaking molds.

Astro Boy Ushers in Japanese Robots: Do You Need One?

Don't be surprised if the next time you are in a grocery store, you see a Japanese Robot assisting someone with their shopping. It may become a common sight. Astro Boy would be proud. Who would have ever thought that a cartoon character might have such a huge impact on the world?

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Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5206a2.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UmBfonFRhE