Toyota Accelerates Home Helper Robot Programme

Toyota is accelerating development of a robot that can perform tasks in the home to help elderly and disabled people lead independent lives. The Human Support Robot (HSR) is its response to the rising demand for long-term elderly care. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2050, 22% of the world’s population will be over 60 years old. The HSR is compact and highly maneuverable, with a lightweight, cylindrical body and a folding arm. It can pick up objects off the floor, reach things down from shelves and perform a variety of other tasks. Toyota is teaming up with a number of research bodies to set up the HSR Developers’ Community, making a combined effort to hasten development and early practical adoption of the HSR.

OneShift Editorial Team

21 Jul 2015

Artificial intelligence is not yet a substitute for human care, but the HSR will be able to be operated remotely by family and friends, with the operator’s face and voice being relayed in real-time. This will allow for genuine human interaction as the HSR goes about its work.

Toyota first announced its HSR programme in 2012, since when the robot has undergone a number of improvements, based on feedback from patients and healthcare workers. It will now be providing HSRs on loan to partner organizations in Japan, principally universities, research facilities and businesses.

These will share their progress in software development and practical know-how with the development community. Toyota will also help research bodies by finding appropriate facilities for testing the HSR and providing other forms of support.

Initially, from September, the HSR Developers’ Community will consist of Toyota and several other institutions that are already involved in HSR testing. It hopes to increase membership to around 10 groups from April 2016 onwards, with applications to join now being accepted in the first round of recruitment.

Credits: Oneshift News Team