RIKEN’s ROBEAR robot assists nurses when caring for their patients

RIKEN’s ROBEAR robot assists nurses when caring for their patients
images courtesy of RIKEN

following on from the ‘RIBA’ and ‘RIBA-II’, the ‘robear’ robot, developed by scientists at RIKEN and sumitomo riko company limited, has created an experimental nursing care apparatus that aims to help japan’s rapidly increasing elderly population. the bot is capable of performing tasks such as lifting a patient to and from a bed or wheelchair, and providing assistance to those who need help to stand up. it is lighter than its predecessors, weighing just 140kg compared to 230kg, and incorporates a small base.

the machine can carry patients from their bed to their wheelchair

according to toshiharu mukai, leader of the robot sensor systems research team, ‘we really hope that this robot will lead to advances in nursing care, relieving the burden on care-givers today. we intend to continue with research toward more practical robots capable of providing powerful yet gentle care to elderly people.’

its extendable legs ensure that it doesn’t tip over when carrying patients, and can be retracted when needed to fit or maneuver in tight spaces. the ‘ROBEAR’ robot has a number of features that enable it to exert force in a new, gentle way. the main one, with its very low gear ratio, is the actuator units which allow the joints to move very quickly, yet precisely. the caring movements provided ensures that the machine can perform power-intensive tasks, such as lifting patients, without endangering them.

its very low gear ratio enables fast but precise movements

the robot is of assistance to people who need help to stand

its extendable and retractable legs ensure it doesn’t fall over

the friendly looking machine weighs just 140kg