Toyota Building Caregiving Robots for Elderly Population

Toyota is already a trusted name when it comes to cars, and now the automotive giant is turning an eye to long-term care.

The Japanese company has introduced two nursing "robots." The Walk Assist Robot attaches to the legs of individuals who have suffered paralysis and helps them walk. It has a position sensor on the thigh area, a pressure sensor on the sole and a knee actuator that moves the brace based on data from the sensors. The second product, the Care Assists Robot, has a power-assist dolly that helps caregivers move transfer patients.

The devices aren't expected to debut until 2013 at the earliest. To learn more, click here.