Robots do the hard work for you

A rapidly ageing society is “undeniable”, according to a Japanese professor. However, also undeniable is Japan’s dedication and hard work to assisting aged citizens live more comfortable and healthy lives into old age.

Toyota recently teamed up with Fujita Health University to design a new range of robots to help the elderly and infirm.

Professor Eiichi Saito recently demonstrated one of the new robots called the ‘Independent Walk Assist’, which when attached to his leg and a hip and shoulder sensor connected to a backpack, reportedly assisted him to walk, sit and move without worrying about locking his leg to walk.

Announcing he could see a time when these robots would be a part of people’s everyday lives, Professor Saito said bringing about change was imperative.

“In order to change this future into a rich and fulfilling one, [these robots] will become necessary,” he told NTD Television.

A robot, called the ‘Balance Training Assist’, helps patients with leg paralysis, or who are prone to balance loss while recovering from surgery.

However, the Japanese-designed robots not only assist the elderly and infirm, there are also robots designed to reduce the workload of nurses and caregivers required to transport patients by lifting them from their bed,  also recently showcased.

The robot, call ‘Patient Transfer Assist’, allowed the caregiver to raise or lower the patient and once secured, it gave the caregiver the ability to move the patient as though they were in a wheelchair.

While the robots, for now, would only be available in Japanese hospitals and retirement villages, developers have not ruled out expanding their distribution to meet the global market.

If you are an aged care worker, share your thoughts on these newly released international robots and how it help you in your daily caregiving duties. Leave a comment in the box below.