Video: Human-carrying robot bear gets cuteness upgrade

The original RI-MAN may have had the whole human-carrying thing down while still managing to be somewhat soft and cuddly, but it looks like the robot-makers behind it have decided to go one step further with their new model, which has been given a complete bear makeover (sans teeth and claws, thankfully). Now dubbed RIBA (or "Robot for Interactive Body Assistance"), the new bot is still intended to more or less act as a robot nurse, and can reportedly lift patients up to 135 lbs out of bed or a wheelchair, while also making use of a full range of tactile sensors and some special "soft skin" material to ensure the short journey is as comfortable as possible. Did we mention there's a video? Of course there is. Head on past the break to check it out.

[Via Pink Tentacle]

[benahad Posted Aug 28th 2009 2:39PM]

I can't wait until they make one to carry a fat American. That way when I'm too drunk to get to the bathroom, he can carry my FAT LAZY AMERICAN ASS!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 28th 2009 1:38PM]

I was thinking "PEDOBEAR" for certain, and then when I misread "... full range of testicle sensors..." I did a second take!!

[ohmygosh82 Posted Aug 28th 2009 4:00PM]

Damn i can´t stop lauging at this pedobear robot !!!!!!!!!!!
LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 28th 2009 5:15PM]

+9000 internets to U gentlemen

[Scott Posted Aug 29th 2009 7:43AM]

shouldn't we be make robots to lift HEAVY people? I mean i can help a 125lb attractive cripple into her wheel chair... where's the robot for the 450lb invalid?