From robo-toys to mechanical bears: your future carers may be robots

Robot carers will be the next big thing coming out of Japan, if Toyota, Honda and other firms ploughing money into robo-helpers are to be believed. From robotic toys that simulate pets for companionship, to big mechanical bears that can physically carry you between beds and wheelchairs – all with a friendly smile – the robots aren't only coming to take your jobs, but to take care of older people too. Japan's Honda is arguably one of the world's leaders in at-home robotics, with Asimo its flagship mini-humanoid. But now Japanese automotive firm Toyota is attempting to thrust itself into the growing market of robotic caring with a Silicon Valley partnership. Akifumi Tamaoki, general manager of Toyota's partner robot division said: "We are preparing for a future in which people may not be able to drive cars, or they may need artificial intelligence to support them to drive, and once they get off their cars they may need help from partner robots."