English Abstract
Robot Technology for Supporting Human Activity
Hiroshi KOBAYASHI
Dept. of Mechanical Eng., Tokyo University of Science, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Nippon Gomu Kyokaishi,(2007),80(9),344-349 General Review in Japanese


Abstract
Industrial robots have been the driving force of the technological establishment of Japan, which has produced a wide variety of low-cost, high-quality products. In these days, because of an aging society where children are decreasing in number, robots are expected to be developed for supporting human daily life. However, few provide physical support or can directly provide human assistance. From these points of view, author focuses on developing the new robot technology for physically and directly supporting human movement in daily life. In this paper, a "muscle suit" for the upper body that will provide muscular support for the paralyzed or those otherwise unable to move unaided and a "active walker" by which a user can walk if he/she does not have any muscular power are introduced



Keywords:
Self-help Support, Muscle Suit, Active Walker, Power Assist, McKibben Artificial Muscle, Wearable Robot
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