Imagine a world where robots take care of people from the cradle to the grave. Robots on display in Japan are designed to look after the sick and elderly, as well as doing house-hold chores.

These were the robots displayed at this year's International Next-Generation Robot Fair.

Robots on display in Japan are designed to look after the sick and elderly, as well as doing house-hold chores.

Experts say from now on robot technology is likely to enter people's daily lives in a more tangible way. They are already able to clean homes and serve drinks.

And the designers haven't forgotten about Japan's sick or elderly. The Fujitsu Enon is an interactive robot designed to help people who care for the elderly, and as a tool for elderly people themselves.

It uses voice recognition software called Julius. Experts say it can surf the Internet and answer questions on a variety of topics.

Jun Takamatsu, Fujitsu Enon Robot Designer, said, "The robot is programmed to speak about issues specific to caring for the elderly and more everyday conversation. It can also be used as a device to gather information."