Caring from far away: The robot that transmits touch
19/12/2019 15:52
TOKYO, Dec 19 (Reuters) - Can robots help solve the problem
of an ageing population in growing need of physical help but
lacking the money and carers to provide it?
Japan's Toyota Motor Corp 7203.T thinks they can, if they
are equipped to mimic the touch and actions of a carer located
far away.
Toyota's latest humanoid robot, T-HR3, demonstrated on
Wednesday at Tokyo's International Robot Exhibition, is
controlled remotely by a human operator.
Goggles let the operator see what the robot sees, gloves let
them feel what the robot touches - enough for the operator, via
the robot, to pour a drink or carry out other delicate manual
tasks, all by remote control.
"You can look after someone when you're not there, or care
for someone while you're working at home," said the manager of
Toyota Motor's Humanoid Robot Group, Tomohisa Moridaira.
He noted that the carer can also take advantage of the
robot's extra muscle: "People who are not strong can do heavy
work from a remote place."
Another growing care need, keeping the elderly mobile and
active, is the job of the 'Orthobot', manufactured by Suncall
5985.T .
A pack worn on the body controls the movements of a long
brace that helps the leg to bend and stretch for walking.
"We want to break the barrier of people not wanting go
outside because they can't walk. We want them to have a good
social life," said Suncall's Rei Takahashi.
About 130,000 people are expected to visit the International
Robot Exhibition, which runs until Saturday.
(Writing by Kevin Liffey; Editing by Hugh Lawson)