It is well documented that in Japan, the population is ageing rapidly. Indeed, people aged 65 and older already make up one-quarter of the country's total population, and this is expected to reach one-third by the year 2036. The health and wellbeing of the elderly is at risk, with a burden of chronic illness in the older population, as well as issues associated with decreased mobility and increased likelihood of falls. Tomotaka Ito, based at Shizuoka University, Japan is working to develop a group of robotic tools to support the elderly to walk independently and live full and healthy lives. Ito's research involves exploring innovative ways to assist the elderly in living independent and fully functional lives. He is doing this through robotic tools that can help with day-to-day activities such as walking and help to prevent falls.