In an effort to help the disabled live more independently, Toyota has unveiled what it's calling the Human Support Robot.
The Human Support Robot, or HSR for short, is specially designed to help with tasks like picking up fallen objects, fetching items and closing curtains. Its resting height is 2.7 feet tall, but the body is telescopic and can grow to 4.3 feet when needed. the HSR is also outfitted with a single 2.5 foot arm that it uses to grasp and manipulate objects.
Commands can be programmed and issued to the HSR via a tablet PC. the HSR can also support a tablet PC as a headpiece to make it seem less emotionless, or to allow caregivers and family members to communicate with the robot's owner through services like Skype.
Although the Human Support Robot was created with the disabled and elderly in mind, it's easy to see how any lazy person would want to have this little helper around at all times to perform simple tasks -- like inserting Cheetos in your mouth while you play Call of Duty.
One-Armed Helper Bots
The Human Support Robot Provides Added Assistance to the Disabled
Trend Themes
1. Assistive Robotics - The HSR is an example of assistive robotics that can be used to support disabled individuals perform simple tasks, creating opportunities for other assistive robot developments.
2. Personal Robot Helpers - Personal robot assistants like the HSR can be developed and utilized to help elderly and disabled individuals, or even those who require extra assistance, automate simple daily tasks.
3. Telesupport Robots - The HSR shows potential as a telesupport robot since it can support a tablet PC and assist disabled individuals using services like Skype, identifying the need for similar innovations in the telehealth industry.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics - The development of HSR indicates a growth opportunity and innovation potential within the robotics industry to create additional robotic advancements that improve the lives of individuals.
2. Assistive Technology - The HSR represents a breakthrough in assistive technology and presents potential for growth opportunities to enhance the lives of disabled and elderly individuals.
3. Telehealth - The HSR shows potential as a technology that can support telehealth services, presenting innovation opportunities for health-related industries to develop more efficient health systems that support disabled and elderly individuals.