HOSPI-Rimo serves as an intermediary to enable comfortable
communication between people who are bed ridden or have
limited mobility to communicate with other people, for
example, their attending doctor in a separate room in the
hospital or friends who live far away, as if they were
interacting face to face. Panasonic developed “HOSPI”
automatic medication delivery robot, which is used in
hospitals in Japan and other countries. HOSPI-Rimo employs HOSPI’s autonomous
mobility technology and high-definition visual communications technology Panasonic
is renowned for.

The new Hair-Washing Robot can complete the entire
process of hair washing automatically, from wetting to
shampooing, rinsing, conditioning and drying. When the
first model was unveiled at the same exhibition last year, it
received great response, including requests for additional
functions and commercialization. The new model features
washing arms with more fingers and improved mechanics
than the previous model to give more comfortable washing
experience.

Combining its expertise in robotics and
information technology, Panasonic aims
to meet the needs of both of those who
give and those who receive care by
offering robots as well as robot system
solutions that provide total support
through collaboration between robots
and humans.

• more –
  RoboticBed®, an electric bed transformable into an electric
  wheelchair and vice versa, also attracted much interest,
  including commercialization, when it was first introduced at
  H.C.R. 2009. Since then, Panasonic has made constant
  improvements by incorporating requests from both
  caregivers and recipients, as well as by finding solutions for
  practical and safety issues identified through its activities
  under the Project for Practical Applications of Service Robots coordinated by NEDO
  (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), an independent
  Japanese administrative agency. Panasonic has been developing safety technologies
  and guidelines under the project.
• 
  The Robotic Canopy, introduced together with the RoboticBed®, also received a
  number of requests, including easier installation and more user-friendly way of
  communication. These requests have led the company to develop the new
  communication assistance robot, HOSPI-Rimo.
• 
  Combining its expertise in robotics and information technology, Panasonic aims to
  meet the needs of both of those who give and those who receive care by offering
  robots as well as robot system solutions that provide total support through
  collaboration between robots and humans.
• 
  Main features and technologies employed by the three robots are described below:
  „ HOSPI-Rimo (Remote Intelligence and Mobility)
• 
  HOSPI-Rimo was developed by applying Panasonic’s autonomous mobility
  technology of the HOSPI transportation robot for hospitals, and High Definition visual
  communication technology. People at separate and distant places can have
  comfortable communications through this robot. HOSPI-Rimo allows them to talk with
  other residents and doctors in a care facility and enables families and friends who live
  far to virtually visit hospital inpatients or the elderly living alone. The robot uses the
  following technologies.

1. Hybrid control technology combining remote-control and autonomous mobility
   If a location near the target person is specified, the robot can autonomously move
   to that place, recognizing the surrounding environment and avoiding obstacles in
   the way. The robot can also be remote-controlled. Further more, in the remote
   control mode, the robot moves safely while correctly recognizing its surroundings.

1. Conversation function using robot’s motions and visual communications
   The shooting angle of the robot’s built-in camera can be freely set by remote control.
   The High Definition Visual Communications System technology has been adopted
   for smooth, two-way conversations
3. .
   „ Hair-Washing Robot
   The Hair-Washing Robot has been developed using Panasonic’s robot hand
   technology. It has advanced from the previous model to scan the head shape more
   finely and perform a series of hair-washing processes, from hand washing through
   bubble washing and drying, using newly added hand techniques. The robot can even
   store the data of each person’s head shape and preferred washing mode to meet the
   needs for everyday hair-washing and scalp care.

#

1. New 3D follow-up mechanism and control technology
   The coordinated control of the telescoping washing arms and the back-of-head
   washing mechanism allows for washing of a wider range of the head. The robot’s
   24 fingers gently wash the head using a further advanced 3D pressure-control
   technology.
2. Conditioner and dryer functions
   In addition to the existing hand-washing and bubble-washing functions, the robot is
   equipped with a conditioner function and a simple dryer, meeting the strong
   demand. With these new functions, the robot can assist the total hair-washing
   process from washing through drying.
3. Spot massage-washing function
   Using the advanced touch-panel interface, the user can specify the spot to be
   washed, massaging pressure, and washing mode. This function meets users’
   demands more flexibly.
   „ RoboticBed®
   The RoboticBed® was developed by integrating the electric care assistance bed and
   an electric wheelchair using Panasonic’s robot technologies. The Robotic Bed helps
   people with limited mobility move between the bed and wheelchair on their own
   initiative, allowing them to get out of bed and maintain an independent lifestyle.
   Panasonic has made the Robotic Bed more practical to use by adding new functions
   and sharing the module with the electric care assistance bed with integrated
   wheelchair, which was announced last year.