Desperate for workers, ageing Japan turns to robots for healthcare

Paro reacts to touch, sound and light. A hand grazes its whiskers and Paro's head and legs move. Paro also blinks and lets out a harp seal's cry. — dpa

In America and other ageing societies around the world, it has become common for the elderly to be cared for by their greying children or older workers. That's largely because the younger labour force is shrinking, and few want to do such low-paying, back-aching work.

Japan sees an answer in robots.