Toyota nursing robots unleashed in Japan

TOKYO, Japan – Latest nursing and healthcare robots designed to aid the frail and elderly are unleashed by Japan’s car giant Toyota on Tuesday.

The unveiling of these robots by the world’s biggest automaker is in line with the company’s goal to get the most of the ageing society of Japan.

Overall four robots are purposely made to offer assistance to those have difficulty in walking and to help nurses in lifting immobile patients.

Eiichi Saito, professor at Fujita Health University that jointly developed the robots said in a statement:
“Everyone is thinking it’s hard to predict the future, but definitely the future is an ageing society.”

“These kinds of robots will help people who might have trouble being mobile on their own to be independent.”

Among the latest nursing robots developed by Toyota include the Walk Training Assist robot, which is designed to provide assistance to this who suffered from stroke or injury. This robot will help these patients recover and naturally regain use of their legs.

Meanwhile, the merged weight-supporting arms and mobile platform, Patient Transfer Assist robot is specifically designed to assist nurses and caregivers in lifting patients into and off the bed. It has arms that act the way human limbs do.

In addition, the Balance Training Assist robot is a two-wheeled robot intended to play sports as part of their therapy like football or tennis.

These products will commercially be launched by Toyota in 2013 and the company is primarily considering exclusive distribution at the Japanese market. (AFP)