It looks like the Wii Fit has some new competition in the form of a little robot designed to whip the aging Japanese population into shape.

General Robotix, in conjunction with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, has developed “Taizo,” a convenient Japanese play-on-words of the word taiso, which means “gymnastics,” to help older Japanese individuals rehabilitate and stay in shape.

Constructed of plastic reinforced by fiberglass and possessing a plush exterior surrounding its modest interior technology similar to toy robot kits sold in stores, Taizo is approximately two feet in height and weighs about fourteen pounds. It can follow voice commands and can be linked to a wireless network and bluetooth, making it only a matter of time before it becomes sentient and tries to take over the world.

Available for lease next year, Taizo’s $8,000 price tag is supported by the overwhelmingly popularity of group exercise, an example of which can be found in the long-running radio exercise programs. These find almost 27 million Japanese waking up to do morning group calisthenics, so an exercise-centric robot is just what the doctor ordered.

In addition, Japan features an astounding 40,000 plus centenarians, and demand for healthier seniors with an increased level of mobility is given credence due to Japan’s lack of immigration, forcing most labor-based jobs to call on machines to do the work.

(Link 1 2)

By bmchargue on 01-10-2009