Toyota Designs “Partner Robots” to Assist Patients From: Rehab Management - 11/28/2011 Recently, in Tokyo, Japan, Toyota introduced its new “partner robots” to assist patients in movement and rehabilitation. The robots are available in four designs. The first design, the Independent Walk Assist robot, attaches at the user’s knee and detects the user’s intent to walk via sensors on the thigh and foot. The unit is motorized and assists the knee in bending as the leg comes forward. The robot is also able to support the full weight of the user. The Independent Walk Assist robot can be paired with the Walking Training Assist device, designed to monitor a variety of movements to ensure that patients are being rehabilitated properly. The second robot design is the Balance Training Assist. The device’s design is similar to a Segway. The patient’s muscled are stimulated by the robot as they play a video game on the unit. The balancing act allows them to regain necessary balancing memory. The third robot, Patient Transfer Assist, was created to help move patients from their beds to the toilet and back. The device is meant to provide freedom to those who previously needed help to get out of bed. Toyota reports that its products will materialize sometime after 2013, initially in the Japanese market. Source and photo image: http://www.rehabpub.com/RMN/2011-11-28_02.asp Links: Partner Robot http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/partner_robot/ iCandy: Here’s to Your Health - slide 4 http://spectrum.ieee.org/slideshow/geek-life/tools-toys/icandy-heres-to-your-health Robot Invasion: Toyota Unveils Four Healthcare “Assistants” http://mashable.com/2011/11/01/toyota-healthcare-robots/ Toyota Creates Robot Assistants to Move People from Point A to B http://translogic.aolautos.com/2011/11/03/toyota-creates-robot-assistants-to-move-people-from-point-a-to-b/