http://bit.ly/b7zwSS Robots in Japan are being designed for use at cocktail parties, in the home, and to help the disabled and elderly. A wheelchair with motion sensors automatically follows a walking person. A joystick is included if the person chooses to independently control the wheelchair. A robotic arm attached to the wheelchair is particularly beneficial for partially paralyzed people when they wish to pick up an object.
Another robot reads its masters faces and interprets what is expected of it. For example, an open mouth may indicate to the robot to bring that person a drink, even though it would not be able to differentiate between different types of drinks. These robots, called humanoids, operate by riding a Segway, hidden underneath their costumes, and use their sensors to find people. Humanoids are also being created for the purpose of helping the elderly. These robots will be programmed to perform various tasks such as carrying disabled patients, changing their clothes, and feeding them. How can robots offer disabled patients control over their lives and help them live independent lives?
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