"In 2010, [Toyota] intends to start selling next-generation household robots to help people receive visitors, raise children and provide nursing care for sick and elderly patients, company officials said.

With the birthrate declining and the population aging, Toyota expects these robots to be in high demand to make up for labor shortages, especially in the services industry, the officials said.

The company expects robot-production to become a major business unit following its automobile and housing divisions, the officials said. A liaison group will be set up with Toyota affiliates, including auto parts maker Denso Corp., to further advance robot technologies."