Japanese researchers have unveiled a dynamic new robot aimed at saving nurses the back-breaking task of lifting heavy patients.

Named RIBA 2, the robot, which looks like a Japanese caricature, can lift patients weighing up to 80kg from the floor and into a wheelchair.

The innovative robot, which is expected to sell for as much as $77,000, moves on wheels, responds to voice commands or set programming, and is soft to touch.

But it also requires a person to guide its actions, meaning it is unlikely to put any health care workers out of a job.

Developed by the RIKEN research centre and Tokai Rubber Industries, the robot will soon be trialled in Japanese nursing homes.

Japan, like Australia, is bracing itself for an ageing population, amid estimates it will soon have the highest number of people aged over 75 with the number of people requiring aged care anticipated to reach 5.69 million in 2015.

Centre leader Shijie Guo told media the robot, an improved version of one released two years ago, can crouch and lift thanks to its improved rubber sensors, springs and joints.

“It is made of very soft material, of rubber, so it won’t hurt a person,” Shijie said.

“Normally, to crouch and lift require a huge motor, which would give us a huge robot. But with this robot, we used a spring.”