The elderly are dear to us everywhere
Japanese experts are developing "robobrucks" for the elderly
Anna Kerman, XX2 century, based on Panasonic materials: ATOUN to Assist Everyday Lives of the Elderly with the Wearable Robot, "Powered Wear"
Atoun Inc., a subsidiary of a Japanese corporation Panasonic has presented a prototype of a wearable "robocoat" (or, more fairly, "robobrunk") under the working name HIMICO.
The creators of HIMICO hope that their brainchild will help the elderly and everyone who has problems with the musculoskeletal system to go about their own business and even walk when they want - while giving up such cumbersome rehabilitation tools as walkers. (The tester of the "roboshtans" in the video obviously young and has no problems with the musculoskeletal system - VM.)
The development supports the lower back and legs of its wearer. But, unlike bulky exoskeletons that periodically appear on the market, the prototype from Panasonic is much lighter and more ergonomic – due to the use of a special ribbon design. It weighs only 3.5 kg, can be easily put on and attached to the body without assistance. Built-in sensors record the person that a person makes while walking, predict the rhythm of gait and repeat them, supporting the limbs with the help of a motor and flexible tapes.
Dr. Masahiko Sumitani from The University of Tokyo Hospital, who studied the effect of the device on muscle motor activity, participated in the creation of the prototype. Funding was provided by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development).
The developers expect that the "robocosuit" will be useful not only for people with limited motor activity in case of damage to the musculoskeletal system (including to restore the ability to walk independently). It will also prevent the development of certain age-related diseases. Relatively healthy elderly people will be able to use it for light exercises, such as walking and hiking. The latter was demonstrated during an experiment organized by specialized divisions of Panasonic specializing in solutions for Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In 2018-2019, ATOUN and Panasonic will continue developing exoskeletons/"robotic clothing" and testing such devices for their subsequent market launch. HIMICO is planned to be commercialized under the name "Robocosuit ATOUN MODEL H".
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