Originally published December 29 2005
Robots developed exclusively for the aid of senior citizens
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Researchers at Sogang University recently developed a robot that can slowly lead an elderly person and support them when sitting down. Care-O-bot is the most advanced elder-care robot so far, and was developed in Germany.
Courtesy of the university Amid rising concerns about an aging society, the development of robots that exclusively aid senior citizens has been gaining popularity.
A research team at Sogang University recently developed a robot that helps disabled people and the elderly who have trouble with mobility.
A person is attached to the robot's metallic arms at the waist, and the machine slowly leads the person, step by step.
The robotic arms also support the person when he or she is sitting down.
In developed countries, work on such robots has been gathering pace.
Although the humanoid robot Asimo, developed in Japan, has been enjoying great popularity around the world, its practical use has been limited so far.
A number of people are paralyzed after suffering a stroke.
Therefore, in the United States and Europe, there is strong interest in "therapy" robots that can help stroke victims.
A robot produced by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology helps stroke victims regain some functions through the repetition of certain moves that stimulate the damaged portions of their nervous system.
The University of California at Berkeley, meanwhile, developed a robot for the military that is of use in lifting heavy objects.
The robot can be adapted for use by seniors who lack the strength to carry objects around.
Rutgers University in New Jersey developed a robot that helps patients who suffer from arthritis; the patients wear robotic parts that facilitate movement.
Since last year, the European Union has been financing a project called "Aladdin," that is developing therapy robots for stroke victims.
A robotic dog can imitate most of the actions of a real, live dog, such as gently closing its eyes when being petted.
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