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Digitimes Research: RT Works launches robot to help people walk

Hana Hu, DIGITIMES Research, Taipei

Japan-based RT Works has launched Robot Assist Walker RT. 1, an autonomous walking-assisting cart to help old people walk, in the Japan market, becoming the fourth model of personal care robots that have been certified by ISO 13482 safety requirements, according to Digitimes Research.

Equipped with two brushless motors as well as motion and environmental sensors, Robot Assist Walker RT. 1 can help old users walk uphill and automatically slow down or brake when users walk downhill, Digitimes Research indicated. Robot Assist Walker RT. 1 is also equipped with wireless communication and GPS functions to facilitate remote monitoring of users by their families. In addition, RT Works has cooperated with Japan-based IT consulting firm Fujitsu FSAS to collect data from users of Robot Assist Walker RT. 1 for analysis to provide personal care solutions.

HAL (hybrid assistive limb), a powered exoskeleton suit to support and expand physically disabled people's physical capabilities, is another personal care robot with ISO 13482 certification. Jointly developed by University of Tsukuba and Japan-based Cyberdyne, HAL has been adopted for medical use in the Europe market.