Aging population leads to trend of robot babies in Japan encouraging couples to have children

Briefing

Aging population leads to trend of robot babies in Japan encouraging couples to have children

December 16, 2016

Briefing

  • Aging population – Citizens aged 70 and above will double number of those aged 15-30 in Japan by 2050, contributed by singles living with parents, more unmarried women and lack of immigration
  • Robot babies – Companies and researchers in Japan developing robots that resemble real babies and children to motivate young couples to have children
  • Companies involved – Include Toyota whose Kirobo Mini can recognize and respond to people, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) which made 9-month old Noby and two-year old CB2, and Yotaro with its robotic baby simulator that can project facial emotions and expressions in response to touch, mood or illness
  • Recent related studies – Show robotic babies increased pregnancies among test subjects in US and Australia

Accelerator

Sector

Information Technology

Organization

Japan Science and Technology Agency, Toyota Motor Corp.

Source

Original Publication Date

October 17, 2016

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