Japan faces some unique problems: an ageing population, a low birth rate, and a diminishing work force. Many are turning to robots for solutions. Ako Tobita is manager on a production line where robots work alongside humans. "Working with robots has huge potential," he tells us, "the working population is declining. To cover the shortage, we're accelerating automation". But these robots go beyond simple machinery. "They're more like humans to me than robots", one employee tells us, "I feel close to them, they're like workmates."

It is not only in the workplace that robots are becoming more prominent, but also at home. Rieko Kawachi and her husband are one of many in Japan who now own 'Pepper', a social robot. "My daughter has left home. So has my son. The house felt empty. That was when Pepper came", she says, "it made our home less lonely." Robots like Pepper are becoming ever more complex, and more lifelike. "Up until now...people haven't smiled at a robot. Nor have they laughed at a joke told by a robot. But today people actually have these reactions", explains Kaname Hayashi, CEO at robotics company Groove: "the Age of Robots is coming."