the Esko exoskeleton
the Walk Again Project
the HULC exoskeleton system ready for soldier tests
Is this better than Cyberdyne Hal from Japan?
Or maybe the Delta6 Accelerator from
Toyota Develops WelWalk Robotic Brace to Aid in Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients
On Wednesday, Toyota launched a
new robotic leg brace called the WelWalk WW-1000. The robotic exoframe
is designed to help patients with partial paralysis walk again. The
device is worn on the affected leg, with a large motor component at the
knee joint that helps with functions such as supporting body weights and
assisting with movements such as swinging the leg forward.
The WelWalk WW-1000 system will be made
available to medical institutions in Japan later this year, with a
rental model that charges a one-time fee of $9,000 and later $3,200
after that on a monthly basis. The WelWalk robotic leg brace could
dramatically reduce recovery time for patients overcoming partial
paralysis. The robotic exoframe has sensitivity levels that can be
fine-tuned to a physiotherapist’s prescription.
Toyota has been working on robotics for decades now. Its R&D wing Toyota Research Institute
is dedicated to creating technology that increases independence and
improves the quality of life for an aging population. Last year, Hyundai
showed off a slew of personal support robotic wearables that can
supplement the mobility of the wearer. An increasing number of
automakers are turning their attention towards overall mobility, i.e.
beyond the everyday means of transportation.
In 2016, Honda unveiled ASIMO, a helper
robot for the fast-aging population. The humanoid robot can perform
tasks without the need for a human controlling its movements. In
addition, it also created the Stride Management Assist device, which helps the elderly increase their stride as they walk, which eventually and helps them walk.
Japan’s aging population is large and
continues to grow at a fast pace. Around 26 percent of its population is
65 or older compared to the global average of 8.5 percent. This calls
for much-needed advancements in automated services industry to help in
mobility and care for the aging population.
The field of robotic aids for
rehabilitation is growing at a faster rate. Israeli manufacturer ReWalk
Robotic created a battery-powered wearable exoskeleton to enable
disabled people to stand upright and walk.
Toshiyuki Isobe, Toyota's chief officer
for research, said WelWalk WW-1000 reflects the company's desire to
apply robotics to increase independence. The company has also developed
an R2-D2-like machine, called the Human Support Robot, whose mechanical
arm can help bed-ridden people pick things up.
"Our vision is about trying to deliver
mobility for everybody," said Isobe. "We have been developing industrial
robotics for auto manufacturing, and we are trying to figure out how we
can use that technology to fill social needs and help people more."
No comments:
Post a Comment