Kawasaki Heavy unveils dog-shaped robot companion for older people
The robot stays close to those it lives with, offers companionship through conversation, watches over them and assists with their daily lives.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries showcased a prototype of a dog-shaped social robot named Home Leo at a Tokyo business briefing on Tuesday. This innovative robot aims to assist older individuals in their homes by providing companionship, monitoring their surroundings, and assisting with daily tasks. Leveraging artificial intelligence, Home Leo can engage in conversations, recognize its environment, and make autonomous decisions based on the situation.
By collecting data on users' preferences and daily routines, including food, clothing, and housing, the robot can tailor its interactions to suit individual needs. Kawasaki Heavy plans to launch Home Leo in fiscal 2028 and intends to collaborate with various organizations, such as health and industry ministries, local governments, medical facilities, and AI technology companies, to further enhance the robot's capabilities.
The robot is equipped with the ability to alert family members or nursing care professionals if it detects any unusual situations, such as falls, changes in health conditions, or unattended fire hazards. Kawasaki Heavy hopes that by sharing data and coordinating with relevant organizations, Home Leo will help elderly individuals maintain their safety and security in familiar surroundings for a longer period.
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