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Robotic Bubble Baths for Japan's Elderly

LukePieStalker writes "New York Times (open kimono before entering) is carrying an article on various robots that are being used in assisted living situations. In addition to mentioning the Wakamaru, the story has illustrations of a human washing machine and a description of robotic pants that help those with mobility problems. Apparently, the devices are considered the better choice in a country that is not inclined to grant working visas to foreigners. As Japan's population shrinks, will the robot population make up the difference?"

16 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. To the home with you! by erik+umenhofer · · Score: 5, Funny

    No not only do we send our folks to the home, but now they won't ever see a human again! Hope you like robots! Take that mom and dad!

    1. Re:To the home with you! by nacturation · · Score: 3, Funny

      Your parents don't have a dream of looking like Captain Pike? Human washing machine, my ass! Where's the blinky light?

      --
      Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
  2. Revolt! by Bishop,+Martin · · Score: 5, Funny

    This is bad! The elderly hold all of our history, if they give that information to the robots, we will all be doomed!

    DOOMED!

    --
    Setec Astronomy
    1. Re:Revolt! by illuminata · · Score: 4, Funny

      Maybe, but I don't think that a robot can do much with knowing how warm to make the dead kitty's milk, the nearest location of Old Country Buffet, and changing a diaper.

      --


      Until Slashdot fixes the funny modifier, use insightful or interesting. The poster knows your intentions.
  3. hmm by tsunamifirestorm · · Score: 5, Funny

    As Japan's population shrinks
    Is this a literal reference towards the elderly? ;)

  4. When will they learn? by wrmrxxx · · Score: 2, Funny

    Robotic pants! What are they thinking? When will these scientists learn from history?

  5. Perfect! by ztwilight · · Score: 2, Funny

    Now when my children get dirty, just stick them in the human washing machine! They especially like the spin cycle, but if they throw up, you have to start the whole thing over.

    --
    Who moved my sig?
  6. They're the wrong trousers Matsushita and... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    ...they've gone wrong.

  7. human touch by mm0mm · · Score: 1, Funny

    I think it's a matter of time that these "assisting" robots become more human-like looking. Impression and confort is very different when you are touching plastic and real skin. IMHO, Japanese engineers should learn American engineering in designing "assisting" robots like these. It's warm inside, babe.

  8. Possibilities by screwballicus · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...robotic pants that help those with mobility problems

    And on this side of the Pacific, elderly citizens already delighted by their mail application's ability to inform them "you've got mail" upon receipt thereof will be pleased to hear that their talking robotic geriatric care undergarments will now inform them of the arrival of such as is deposited within their own "inbox."

  9. Re:ii na- by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    on the bight side... I had to beat the girls off with a 2x4 ;-)

    Kinky...

  10. Re:What ever happened to... by bj8rn · · Score: 3, Funny

    Or, alternatively, you can just bury or burn your dead, instead of burdening yourself with carrying the piles of corpses around all the time.

    --
    Hell is not other people; it is yourself. - Ludwig Wittgenstein
  11. Robotic Trousers! by rjjm · · Score: 2, Funny

    Have we learnt nothing from Wallace and Gromit's The Wrong Trousers?

  12. This has been a movie. by Recovery1 · · Score: 2, Funny

    This a movie already Roujin Z as I recall was about a healthcare bed that went beserk.

  13. Old Glory Insurance [snl] by ee_moss · · Score: 2, Funny

    Old Lady #1: When my ex-husband passed away, the insurance company said his policy didn't cover him.
    Old Lady #2: They didn't have enough money for the funeral.
    Old Lady #3: It's so hard nowadays, with all the gangs and rap music..
    Old Lady #1: What about the robots?
    Old Lady #4: Oh, they're everywhere!
    Old Lady #1: I don't even know why the scientists make them.
    Old Lady #2: Darren and I have a policy with Old Glory Insurance, in case we're attacked by robots.
    Old Lady #1: An insurance policy with a robot plan? Certainly, I'm too old.
    Old Lady #2: Old Glory covers anyone over the age of 50 against robot attack, regardless of current health.


    [ cut to Sam Waterston, Compensated Endorser ]
    Sam Waterson: I'm Sam Waterston, of the popular TV series "Law & Order". As a senior citizen, you're probably aware of the threat robots pose. Robots are everywhere, and they eat old people's medicine for fuel. Well, now there's a company that offers coverage against the unfortunate event of robot attack, with Old Glory Insurance. Old Glory will cover you with no health check-up or age consideration. [ SUPER: Limitied Benefits First Two Years ] You need to feel safe. And that's harder and harder to do nowadays, because robots may strike at any time. [ show pie chart reading "Cause of Death in Persons Over 50 Years of Age": Heart Disease, 42% - Robots, 58% ] And when they grab you with those metal claws, you can't break free.. because they're made of metal, and robots are strong. Now, for only $4 a month, you can achieve peace of mind in a world full of grime and robots, with Old Glory Insurance. So, don't cower under your afghan any longer. Make a choice. [ SUPER: "WARNING: Persons denying the existence of Robots may be Robots themselves. ] Old Glory Insurance. For when the metal ones decide to come for you - and they will.

  14. Re:Good Idea... by nomadic · · Score: 2, Funny

    As long as we dont give them unnecessary AI and for some reason equip robots designed to clean houses with tactical thermonuclear devices, we wont have to worry about any robotic revolutions.

    You haven't seen my apartment. Those tactical thermonuclear devices may be necessary.