Robotic Calisthenics

Taizo is a robot built by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan, designed specifically to lead the elderly in exercise.

The smiling, spacesuit-clad instructor has 26 joints in its body, and can perform 30 various moves to imitate. It can sit or stand, and comprehends and delivers basic speaking commands- enough to lead a group in a low-impact exercise session. This is a timely contraption, as Japan possesses a graying population that has over 40,000 people over the age of 100.

The robots will be available to rent in 2010, at the price of ¥800,000 ($8,000 USD) a piece.

A short video of Taizo in action:

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