The slow-motion collapse of a civilization-----Japanese robot bear nurses soon to care for rapidly ageing population

Japanese robot bear nurses soon to care for rapidly ageing population - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):
"Robotic nurses with cute bear faces developed by Japanese engineers could soon be the future carers of the nation's growing elderly population.
Japanese research institute Riken developed the Robear to support healthcare workers, with enough power to lift frail patients from bed and support unstable patients on their feet.

...A historically low birth rate and ever-increasing life expectancy means Japan's population of elderly people is growing, while the pool of youngsters to look after them is shrinking.
Japan's declining population puts it on course to lose half its workforce by 2060, and possibly its status as an economic superpower.
Despite calls for large-scale immigration into the racially homogenous country, residents remain reluctant, meaning an increasing reliance on robots, especially to perform physically difficult work."