The land of the rising sun - and rising life expectancy - has developed another robotic wonder in response to the needs of its aging society. Japan is one of the oldest countries in the world where - according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications - by 2010, 28 percent of the population will be 65 years or older. The country is looking to robotic companions to help offset the coming shortage of caregivers.

Enter Paro - the world's first therapeutic or "mental-commit" robot - designed to provide relaxation, entertainment and companionship through physical interaction. This adorable furbot was modeled after a baby harp seal literally from the inside out. Sensors beneath Paro's fur and whiskers trigger the seal to move and respond - wriggling with delight when petted and showing displeasure when ignored. Its eyes open and close, and its flippers can move as well. Other built-in sensors allow Paro to respond to sight, sound, temperature and even posture. Covered in soft white antibacterial fur, Paro's artificial intelligence means it can mimic animal behavior and over time, even develop its own character. The latest Paro model, (8th generation) can recognize seven different languages: Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish.

After a series of successful experiments in pediatric wards, nursing care and assisted living facilities, in February 2002, Paro's healing effects were recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records and officially certified as the ‘World's Most Therapeutic Robot.'

Twelve years in the making - and eight prototypes later, scientists from Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) led by Dr. Takanori Shibata, officially released Paro on the market in the last year. Seven hundred Paro robots have been sold in Japan to date. Paro has also received widespread acclaim overseas. The National Museum of Science and Technology in Stockholm, Sweden has exhibited "Paro and Robot Therapy" since May 2003. The robot's therapeutic abilities have been put to the test at Siena University Hospital in Italy, Kerpape Hospital in France and Stanford University Hospital in the USA.

Research has shown that pets can lower blood pressure and diminish tension in humans simply by being present. Live pets are unfortunately not allowed in hospitals, nursing homes and most assisted living facilities in Japan. As Shibata tells CNN, "We know that pet therapy helps physically, psychologically and socially, and Paro does the same thing for people who are unable to care for a live pet...We found nursing home residents also opened up and talked with each other about pets they had owned." And, he said, their stress levels went down. In addition, recent research has shown that Paro improves dementia patient's behavior and conditions of brain activities.

More Information: Visit the official website for Paro, Mental Commit Robot for Psychological Enrichment