(September 21, 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.
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.