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Panasonic invents robot bed for the disabled

21/09/2009

Panasonic has developed a groundbreaking new invention - a bed which turns into a wheelchair to help the disabled and their carers.

The robotic invention involves two parts which separate, with the second turning into a chair to "help people with limited mobility maintain an independent lifestyle".

The design is also geared at helping friends, relatives or carers who can find it difficult to get someone from a bed to a chair.

The wheelchair half of the invention can even detect people and objects in the way and guide the owner around them.

It also comes with a mattress shaped to the user to maximise comfort.

The robotic invention will appear at the 36th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition, in Tokyo, from September 29 to October 1.

At the beginning of next month Japanese hospitals will also see the start of a trial involving a robot designed to help nurses lift patients in and out of bed.

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