Chicago, Apr 9, 2008 (Jiji Press) - A Japanese-made therapeutic animal robot, named "Paro," is set to make its overseas sales debut in the United States. The cuddly harp seal, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2002 as the world's most therapeutic robot, is believed to have curative effects on patients with depression and dementia.
Takanori Shibata, senior researcher at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), and Walter Weisel, former head of the Robotic Industries Association of the United States, will unveil Paro at the Robo Business Conference and Expo 2008, being held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday.
Paro shows various responses to people when they stroke or talk to it. The robot made its debut in Japan in 2005, and cumulative sales have exceeded 1,000 units.
In Japan, the therapeutic robot is used mainly at nursing care facilities. It is also rented for research purposes at medial and welfare institutions in Europe.
Paro's U.S. debut comes after Weisel, a pioneer in the U.S. robot industry, was impressed by the robot at an exhibition and contacted Shibata through the Japan External Trade Organization.
In the United States, Paro will be sold by a joint venture set up by Japan's Intelligent System Co. and Weisel. The therapeutic animal robot will be priced at 5,000 dollars per unit in the U.S. market.
The joint company will start receiving orders for the robot shortly.
Copyright © 2010 JCN. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network KK.
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