One of the demonstrations that is drawing much attention at the Panasonic booth is the "Transfer Assist Robot" currently under research and development. As the name indicates, it is a robot that helps transfer people in and out of bed - a high tech care equipment designed to replace care lifts.

Let me describe the demonstration of transferring the mannequin, "Sakura" off the bed. First, the care taker would stand by the bed in between the robots. You use the black lever to move the 2 hands underneath Sakura, who is lying on the bed. The hands are covered by a durable cloth made of resin, which moves very slowly like a conveyor belt to slip smoothly underneath her body. The process in which Sakura who weighs about 40kg, comes to recline on the hands looked so natural, it was almost odd.

According to the developer, "We see the 2 hands of the robot as an extension of the care taker's arms. We designed it so that we can lessen the stress on the care taker, and so that the care recipients may be transferred without worry. We believe that we can significantly decrease their fears as their bodies aren't lifted up in mid-air like the lift, and because they may be transferred without ever breaking eye contact with the care taker."

Home helpers learn to transfer the care recipients by themselves, with a transfer board and sheet, as well as a lift, among others. Especially with the lifts, there are many types, and we have many training opportunities to learn how to use them. We also learned that they help prevent back pains for the care taker and that is it more comfortable. But in order to operate them well, you need to have some experience, and I would be lying if I said that we never think, "What if there is an accident and he/she falls?" During the demonstration I watched the "Transfer Assist Robot" lift Sakura out of bed, but this would be a great option to have if all necessary security precautions have been made.

The care taker stands in between the 2 hands and watches over Sakura.

The hands move slowly assisting Sakura into a seated position. All you need to do is operate a single lever with one hand, so it is quite easy to do. You can use your other hand to support Sakura, so this will enable you to still offer skinship and a care with warmth.