HealthcareRobot
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RIBA-II healthcare robot now stronger, smarter -- still a bear
RIKEN's original RIBA healthcare robot was already fairly adept at lifting patients while not completely terrifying them but, as is the case with such things, it's now been succeeded by a new and improved model. While its outward, bear-like appearance hasn't changed, the new bot boasts a series of upgrades that now lets it bend over and lift patients up directly off the floor, not just off a bed or wheelchair. It's also now able to lift patients that weight up to 176 pounds (41 pounds more than before), and it packs an array of new sensors that let it more accurately gauge a person's weight and carry them more comfortably -- not to mention some touchscreen controls on its back for when it needs a bit of direction. Hit the source link below for a video. [Thanks, robotbling]
Yurina health care robot promises to help lift, terrify patients
We already got a look at a robot wheelchair that was on display at the recent Next-Generation Robot Manufacturing Exhibition in Japan, but it wasn't the only robotic health care device on display at the show -- this so-called Yurina robot from Japan Logic Machine was also busy impressing attendees with its patient-lifting abilities. This one offers more than just brute strength, however, as it can also convert itself to a wheelchair that's nimble enough to navigate narrow hallways and be controlled using either by voice directions, a touchscreen, or a Wii nunchuck-type controller. Head on past the break to check it out in action -- and make sure your speakers are turned up.
iRobot creates new business unit for healthcare robotics
Well, it doesn't have a Roomba that will check up on your vitals just yet, but it looks like iRobot is betting on healthcare robotics in a fairly big way, with it taking advantage of the recent TEDMED conference to announce that it's forming a new business unit focused solely on the still burgeoning industry. That unit will be headed up by Tod Loofbourrow, who says that he believes the business "has the potential to make a significant difference in the field of healthcare," and adds that he thinks "the long-term potential of robotics to extend independent living is profound." While he's just as light on specifics, iRobot CEO Colin Angle is no less ambitious about the company's goals, saying that iRobot's "healthcare mission is add a million years of independent living to our customers." And in case you're wondering, the image at right isn't an iRobot robot, but it is all too real.
