By Fujimoto

At Haruhi-en Niho

I went to ‘Robot care merchandise exhibition’ held by Yamaguchi branch of Alsok Co., Ltd.

One of the most loss leaders was an applied product of cyber technic ‘HAL’ of Japan, which obtained international patent application

There were also watching sensors for people who care for their families.

I tried a supporting power belt for waist to help to lift people with ease.

https://www.cyberdyne.jp/products/Lumbar_CareSupport.html

 This is a photo when I tried it. It’s not a photo of sumo match, mind you!

It was much lighter than I expected. I might forget wearing it.

To tell the truth, I forgot wearing it, while the staff was explaining the product.

 He told me its new model was waterproof for the increasing demand of bathing assist.

I asked how it dealt with dew condensation inside to avoid breakdown or electric shock.

“Well, it’s a black box. I don’t know its detail.” He answered.

I felt there were some unclear points about the explanation of the staff of Omron Co., Ltd, affiliated company of Cyberdyne Co., Ltd.

Well, it’s like the very product of newest technology which obtains international patent application!

Don’t worry.

 This product obtains CE marking.

But it made me worried more. 

Japan has technology enough to pass the most strict safety standards around the world.

Nevertheless, our country has never had the standard of the same level.

What if cheap products made in other countries bring us lots of accidents? 

I know it is excellent product, but our facility would never introduce it, even if we get a subsidy.

It is OK to keep putting electrode pads on my back, known by low frequency therapy equipment, but it’s necessary to do warming up every time before using it.

It’s not handy if you want to use it for transferring assist at times.

It made me worried more…

What if we have to use the product which does not match reality?

Moreover, what if nursing care compensation of Long Term Care Insurance is reduced, because those robots are introduced?

Yeah, it was fun to try it, but what would this cyber assist bring us…?