Panasonic's assist cart robot for use in hospitals

Serkan Toto

Dr. Serkan Toto is an independent consultant and advisor focusing on Japan’s web, mobile and social gaming industries. Based in Tokyo, he works together with financial institutions and startups worldwide. Serkan has been the Japan contributor for TechCrunch.com since 2008. He is sept-lingual, holds an MBA and is a PhD in economics. → Learn More

Friday, October 16th, 2009

panasonic_assist_cart_robot

First the dish washing robot, then an assist cart robot: It was a big day for Panasonic’s robot division. This cart robo, a one-seater, is specifically designed for use in hospitals and nursing homes where it’s supposed to move medical equipment and things like wheelchairs.

Panasonic claims the robo vehicle will even help staff move around hospital beds, as it can carry equipment weighing 200kg. Japan has the oldest society in the world (over 20% of the population are older than 65), and the company said it plans to invest more resources into the health and welfare robot sector in the next years.

The assist cart robo for hospitals is to be commercialized as early as spring next year. Panasonic plans to sell a version for use in other places for about $1,000 in or after 2012.

Via Kaden Watch [JP]

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