Engineers in Japan today (Monday) unveiled what they hope will provide an answer to the problems of the world’s fastest-aging society.

Tmsuk corporation introduced the press to a new walk-assist robot named “Active Gear.”

The Active Gear prototype straps around a person’s body and legs, and is designed to help people with disabilities get around.

Tmsuk’s engineers say, with the robot’s help, they want disabled people to do sports and even ski in the near future.

They’re working with doctors at Tottori University to bring the technology to market within a year or two.

Assistive robots are expected to be a growth area of Japan’s economy.

Tmsuk is competing with the likes of Toyota for a share of the market.