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00:05 Even in our twilight years, we deserve to enjoy rich and fulfilling lives.
00:11 New technologies are now helping to ensure this.
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00:17 Injuries from falls are a big problem that this innovative floor surface helps to avoid.
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00:25 The surface stays flat and solid underfoot, even for wheelchair users.
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00:33 But if it receives a strong shock like a falling body, the floor changes shape.
00:38 The special structure underneath instantly deforms to absorb impact before returning to its original state.
00:46 This technology was developed by Shimomura Hiroshi.
00:50 Try to crush a paper cup or an empty can using a gentle force, nothing happens.
00:57 They feel solid and rigid, but apply a strong force quickly and they'll instantly collapse.
01:03 This is the same principle.
01:05 What's special is that the floor can be crushed over and over and still return to its original form.
01:11 It took much research to develop a structure that can deform and recover its shape.
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01:20 This floor reduces the force of impact by up to half.
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01:26 It's already in use in many medical and care facilities.
01:31 There's a limit to how far we can prevent falls, so we need to create an environment
01:36 where even if someone does fall, they will still be safe.
01:42 Robots able to hold conversations are now helping improve life for the elderly in care facilities.
01:49 Poworo is a humanoid robot equipped with artificial intelligence.
01:57 Here Poworo is leading these old folks through a set of exercises.
02:01 It uses built-in cameras, microphones and sensors to understand and interact with its surroundings.
02:12 It's capable of having quite complex conversations.
02:20 Poworo can recall over 100 faces and names and has a very friendly, natural manner.
02:35 Me too!
02:38 Poworo can even remember your favorite song and sing it with you.
02:44 We talked to one of the team who developed Poworo, Sugimoto Naoki.
02:50 The effects we found are that when a person feels that Poworo cares about them,
02:55 it definitely helps to ease their mind and relieve anxiety.
02:59 They feel less lonely and become more motivated to enjoy life and to stay in good health.
03:07 This robot is shaped like a seal and is designed to have a soothing, healing effect.
03:16 She's called Paro. Stroke her and she gives off happy vibes.
03:22 Hello Paro!
03:24 Just like a pet, Paro responds to her name.
03:29 Paro can sense more than just touch and voice.
03:32 Her senses tell her your temperature and position, helping her interact with you very like a real animal.
03:40 This is Shibata Takanori, Paro's creator.
03:44 We designed Paro so people would want her to live with them like a pet.
03:49 Her main purpose is to comfort and to give pleasure.
03:57 To make her suitable for use in care facilities, Paro's design was modified to improve both safety and performance.
04:06 Electromagnetic shielding makes her safe to be around people with pacemakers.
04:13 Paro's fur is given a silver ion treatment that kills viruses.
04:22 And all her fur is attached by hand, with every detail carefully and realistically crafted.
04:33 Paro is now authorized as an effective medical aid in over 30 countries.
04:42 Our next step is to get authorization for use in more medical facilities as well as in care homes.
04:48 With its aging population, Japan is leading the world with technologies to make life better for the elderly and those needing care.
04:58 Thank you for watching!
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