Nail-painting robots and walking sticks Tokyo exhibits latest innovations to help the old people

An industrial robot that paints nails and walking stick that behaves like a guide dog were just some of the innovations displayed at a huge expo in Tokyo today.

The International Robot Exhibition aimed to provide a glimpse into future technologies that could make life easier for the elderly and their caregivers. The organisers claim assisted living could potentially be big business in Japan where a quarter of the 128-million population is aged over 65.

Japan's machine maker Toyo Riki displayed a nail decoration robot named 'Robo Nailist' which picks brushes, colours with nail varnish.

The nail-painting robot named ‘Robo Nailist’ was displayed courtesy of Osaka-based Toyo Riki Engineering. The industrial robot arm uses its incredible precision to apply layers of nail varnish, which it decorates with miniscule crystal rhinestone in the latest fashion. ‘Many people imagine “industrial robots” are doing welding work in big factories but we displayed this just to show how dexterous they are,’ said company head Narito Hosomi. Another star attractions was a ‘muscle suit’ that gives extra power to a carer to help them lift a bed-bound patient.

The industrial robot arm uses its incredible precision to apply layers of nail varnish, which it decorates with miniscule crystal rhinestone in the latest fashion

THE SMART WALKING STICK

The Lightfoot, which looks a little like a cane standing on a tiny cart, can guide a visually impaired user to a preprogrammed destination. It even watches out for dangers along the way, including trip hazards such as holes or walls, and head-height obstacles like branches. ‘Thanks to the sensors, this machine avoids any obstacle and allows visually impaired users to move safely,’ said Mayuko Mori from NSK. No decision had yet been made about putting the device into production, but field-testing in hospitals or other institutions was expected to start soon.

Worn like a backpack, the device is powered by compressed air and takes some of the strain out of lifting an elderly or person with a disability by giving extra muscle-power to the back and hips. The machine, developed by Tokyo University of Science and a nursing care company, is activated by a tube in the wearer's mouth, adding lift when the operator breathes in.

Exhaling switches the power off. ‘It feels like you're using about half the power to lift people,’ said caregiver Norikatsu Kimura, who took part in a trial at elderly care firm Asahi Sun Clean. ‘The assistance gives me relief as we are always worried about hurting our lower waist.’ ‘I've seen many workers who were willing to continue this job but had to stop because of hip pain,' he said.  

The Muscle Suit's compressed air power makes it safe to use around water -- vital because of the need to lift patients in and out of the bath.

The Muscle Suit, developed by Tokyo University of Science and a nursing care company, is activated by a tube in the wearer's mouth, adding lift when the operator breathes in

The device's compressed air power makes it safe to use around water -- vital because of the need to lift patients in and out of the bath. It weighs 10 kilograms (22 pounds) including a two-kg air tank.

Motion and control group NSK showcased a walking stick-like device to help visually impaired users with physical support and guidance on directions. The Lightfoot, which looks a little like a cane standing on a tiny cart, can guide a visually impaired user to a preprogrammed destination. It even watches out for dangers along the way, including trip hazards such as holes or walls, and head-height obstacles like branches. ‘Thanks to the sensors, this machine avoids any obstacle and allows visually-impaired users to move safely,’ said Mayuko Mori from NSK.

Motion and control group NSK showcased a walking stick-like device to help visually impaired users with physical support and guidance on directions

‘There is a severe shortage of guide dogs and in any case, some people cannot keep animals in their apartments.’ She said no decision had yet been made about putting the device into production, but field-testing in hospitals or other institutions was expected to start soon. Meanwhile Funai Electric was showcasing a walking assistance cart, which it hopes to begin selling in 2015. The appliance is a modern twist on the traditional shopping cart, where on board motors give assistance on uphill climbs and apply a steadying brake on the way back down.