Helping hands for the elderly with an automated twist

Roby Mini can also connect an elderly owner to a doctor through its high definition screen. Already Shanghai PT Info is talking to three community hospitals in Shanghai's Minhang district. Since the robot is linked to the Internet, it can support long-distance audio and video calls.

Mass production started this month and Shanghai PT Info plans to manufacturer 200,000 units this year.

"The company will promote this robot to elderly people living in several communities in Pudong New District for free in September," Liu said.

But Shanghai PT Info will face tough competition in the marketplace. Earlier this year, Flying wings Intelligent Robot Technology (Shanghai) introduced a machine with sensors that will ring an alarm when an elderly owner falls down.

Tianjin Shangjiu Shengyuan Technology Group also developed a robot with seniors in 2014. Owners can turn on the lights and air-conditioning units by pressing buttons on the machine. It can also remind elderly owners to take pills, inform them of hospital checkups and family birthdays.