NSK, Motion & Control

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NSK Develops Human-Assisting Guidance Robot

Robot offers hope to people with mobility challenges

NSK Ltd. today announced the development of a robot able to assist people with mobility challenges, guiding them along a path of their choice while avoiding obstacles.

A wheeled robot newly developed by NSK can help mobility challenged users travel over flat surfaces, inclines and slightly uneven surfaces. Interpreting human intentions via subtle changes in force applied to hand grips that support the user, the robot autonomously selects and follows an obstacle-free path.

Integrating innovations in drive technology, visual-recognition technology and interface technology, this experimental robotic aid to human mobility points the way to future alternatives to wheelchairs, seeing-eye dogs and nursing assistants. It will be on display at the International Robot Exhibition 2009, to be held at Tokyo Big Site starting today.

Product features:
(1) Finding and following an obstacle-free path

      To guide the user along a clear path, the robot uses laser range sensors to detect obstacles. As obstacles are detected, the robot calculates the “virtual repulsive force” according to their distance and direction. Command values from the user are then automatically modified according to the anticipated effect of that repulsive force.

(2) Smooth, intuitive operation

     The robot interprets the user’s intended direction and speed through pressure exerted on the hand grips in an intuitive way: push harder to go faster; push right to turn right. Processing is performed to eliminate any adverse effect caused by differences in the movement of user and robot as force is applied. This allows the robot to understand instructions precisely and respond smoothly.

(3) Mobility over inclines and uneven surfaces

      With independent two-wheel drive and an active caster mechanism, the robot can handle inclines and uneven surfaces.

With many countries now facing the implications of a rapidly aging society, the challenge is to find new solutions that enable people to live not only longer but better. Having developed rapidly in recent years through cross-fertilization with other fields (such as IT), robotic technology is now poised to make a significant contribution.

Until now, NSK’s involvement in robotics has focused on the supply of components such as bearings, linear guides and ball screws. So the introduction of a new human-assisting robot marks an important step forward. By exploring the uses of its core products to their fullest extent, NSK hopes to make an important contribution toward meeting a critical social need, and to advance its knowledge of core robotics technologies.

NSK will continue working to identify underlying issues in this field, engaging its four core technologies — tribology, materials, analysis and mechatronics — to create robotic solutions to real human needs.

About NSK Americas

NSK Americas is a member of the NSK Ltd. group of companies headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. As one of the world's leading bearing manufacturers, it produces and distributes over 100,000 different types of bearings, linear motion and automotive component products.

In the United States, NSK operates with strategically located distribution centers that supply both the original equipment and industrial distribution market. Its network of authorized distributors have the expertise, inventory and delivery systems to meet industry needs— working in partnership with NSK sales and engineering teams to ensure that industry's needs are met with precision and speed. For more information visit http://www.nskamericas.com

For more information, please contact:

NSK Americas
4200 Goss Road
Ann Arbor, MI  48105
1.88.ThinkNSK (1.888.446.5675)

http://www.nskamericas.com