Anna Randal for Art-Sheep
Images courtesy of RIKEN
Japan will soon be, not only an overpopulated country, but also crowded by robots. Scientists at RIKEN and sumitomo riko company limited has created the “Robear” robot, an apparatus that aims to be of assistance to patients and elderly people. The robot weighs only 140kg and amongst its skills is lifting and placing down a person.
“We really hope that this robot will lead to advances in nursing care, relieving the burden of care-givers today. We intend to continue with research towards more practical robots capable of providing powerful yet gentle care to elderly people.” Toshiharu Mukai, leader of the robot sensor systems research team, says.
“Robear” looks like a gentle robot, but is it safe to trust your life in its hands? Its features make it capable of carrying a person in a gentle way. Its legs are extendable, ensuring that it can be controlled in tight spaces and offer security when carrying patients. It is programmed to move quickly and with precision, and not endanger the patients when performing power-intensive tasks .
via designboom
