Toyota Motor Corp. plans to launch a line of physical therapy "robots" as early as in 2015 to tap demand expected for machines that can help the elderly get through rehabilitation.
Those who have difficulty walking after suffering a stroke will be able to attach these machines to their legs to help them walk, or stand on a two-wheeled machine to help regain their sense of balance.
The robots are being developed under a joint program with Fujita Health University in Toyoake, Aichi Prefecture. The program has entered its final stage, and hopes are high the products will help the nation deal with its rapidly aging society.