A joint venture between the Riken Research Center and Tokai Rubber Industries has resulted in a rather unlikely robot. A giant teddy bear that is so strong that it can literally pick you up off the floor. Named Riba II the latest nursing robot is essentially designed to care for elderly patients who need help with movement.
RIBA robotic bear nurse
The acronym Riba stands for Robot for Interactive Body Assistance. Shijie Guo, leader of the Robot Implementation Research Team said. Riba I could lift patients with a body weight of 134 pounds and now the new and improved Riba II can lift body weight up to 176 pounds. The robot itself weighs in the region of 500 pounds. The robot is also covered in soft material and will not have the cold harsh touch of metal.
It is also flexible enough to bend down and pick up or set down the person on the floor. Considering that most people in Japan tent to sleep on futon floor bedding or floor tatami mats the flexibility of the robot becomes a decided advantage.
It has sensors on its chest and arms. These are made of electrodes. Data from these sensors is used to safely manipulate the patient, as well as direct Riba's movements. The robots are likely to be sold at a market price of $77,000.