Ri-Man
Ri-Man is a humanoid robot that is supposed to support care and maintenance in the Japanese healthcare system in the future . The Ri-Man was developed by the Japanese research institute Riken Bio-Mimetic Control Research Center in Nagoya .
In 2006 Ri-Man was presented to the public and in the same year was nominated by Time magazine for one of the best inventions in the medical category.
Structure and technology
Ri-Man is 158 cm tall and weighs 100 kg. 15 small computer units were built into Ri-Man's body, which enable precise control commands to be passed on to the individual body parts. Ri-Man's body surface consists of a 5 mm thick silicone layer that is particularly soft. This soft silicone skin offers the patient a comfortable surface when he is worn by Ri-Man. Under this silicone skin there are 320 pressure sensors that serve to prevent injuries or bruises on the patient. The communication between patient and Ri-Man is made possible by two built-in microphones, so that Ri-Man can react to simple voice commands. In addition, two cameras have been installed that enable people to be identified and their surroundings to be found. In addition, Ri-Man is equipped with two odor sensors, one each for the right and left halves of the body. Different smells can be perceived with these sensors.
Work is underway to ensure that Ri-Man will be able to carry people who weigh up to 70 kg in the future; at the moment, the maximum performance is 12 kg.