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by Boomer Babe
Inventorspot.com
Japan is unquestionably the robot capital of the world. They've invented robots that shop for you, cook for you, and even clean your toilets.
But Japan is graying. Just like we are in the U.S., Japan's baby boomers are heading towards 'that time' when disabilities connected with aging are requiring more attention and more supportive devices. Like wheelchairs.
Japan's Saitama University Professor Yoshinori Kobayashi was inspired to develop a robotic wheelchair that the disabled person doesn't wheel and a caretaker, or friend, or relative doesn't have to push. It actually heels like a dog and, in fact, this robot can even be trained to heel to your dog!
Robotic wheelchair follows its designated caregiver: image via http://www.amsvans.com
The special wiring and the camera provided for the robot lets it know the person, or pet, to follow (read "heel"). Kobayashi created the robotic wheelchair as a way to restore respect to the disabled person by providing more freedom of choice and direction. At any time, the disabled person can communicate with the robot via joystick, ordering it to stop following that person.
