A field study of the human support robot in the home environment

As concern for Japan´s aging population and shrinking workforce continues to mount, many researchers are focusing on nursing and healthcare-related robots to help ease the burden on society. In order to successfully integrate robots into the home environment to coexist with family members, three features are considered essential: safe interaction, a compact and lightweight body, and a simple interface. In this paper the authors introduce a robot that possesses these qualities: the human support robot (HSR). The current prototype HSR is designed to support independent living of persons with limited limb mobility. This paper discusses the development of the HSR and the results of user testing conducted in the homes of two persons with disabilities.