Toyota Motor develops human support robot prototype

21 September 2012

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has developed a human support robot (HSR) prototype to assist independent home living for persons with limited arm or leg mobility. The prototype is an addition to the Toyota Partner Robot series that TMC is developing to assist people in their everyday activities.

Human Support Robot Prototype. Click to enlarge.

The HSR—operable by voice command or by tablet PC—has a highly maneuverable, compact, and lightweight cylindrical body with a folding arm that enables it to pick up objects off the floor, suction up thin objects, retrieve objects from high locations, open curtains, and perform other household tasks. Furthermore, the moving parts of the body and arm do not generate large amounts of force, thus ensuring user safety and peace of mind.

Aiming to improve quality of life, TMC has developed the HSR prototype in cooperation with the Japan Service Dog Association to identify the needs and desires of individuals with limited limb mobility, and developed functions focused around picking up dropped objects, retrieving items, and communicating with family members and caregivers. In 2011, TMC conducted in-home trials using the robot with individuals with limb disabilities in cooperation with the Foundation for Yokohama Rehabilitation Service and incorporated user feedback into development.

Additionally, in response to the aging of Japan’s population, TMC will collaborate with research organizations such as universities as well as persons involved in nursing and healthcare to research and develop new functions for the HSR—such as remote monitoring and assistance—with the aim of practical application in the field of care for the elderly.