To fit in with the Expo theme of Better City, Better Life as a means to a future with an improved urban environment, the Japan and German pavilions in the Expo Garden are exhibiting ideas on how to resolve a global predicament - ageing populations.

  Robotics on display in Japan Pavilion is in response to the problems of an ageing population in the country. Yong Kai / China Daily

The Japan Pavilion is keen to showcase the nurturing connection between technology and people, especially the elderly.

"The shift in the distribution of a country's population towards older ages is something all countries will face sooner or later, including Japan," said Hiroshi Tsukamoto, the commissioner-general of the Japan Pavilion. "Therefore, we decided to add the subject of population ageing to the exhibition as a challenge we have to face and conquer."

As one of Japan's most famous technologies, much of the robotics on display in its pavilion is a response to the ageing population situation in the country.

A new style of robotics, called the "Partner Robot", designed by Toyota Motor Corporation, catches most attention from visitors. The Partner Robot, with a humanoid form and ability to walk on two legs, is able to assist older people by doing household chores and providing nursing and medical care. The joints of the hands and arms are coordinated by a sophisticated control mechanism, allowing delicate, human-like movements.

"In order to demonstrate that the Partner Robot has humanlike finger dexterity, it plays the violin while fingering the strings accurately," said Tsukamoto. "In the near future, a series of Partner Robots will be manufactured to solve the shortage of labor and help with population ageing services."