【News】Announcement on the adoption by the AMED project to promote the development of robotic care devices for overseas

CYBERDYNE Inc. (Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, President & CEO: Yoshiyuki Sankai, from now on referred to as the “Company”) announces that the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (“AMED”) adopted the Company’s proposal for the “2022 project to promote robotic care device for overseas”.

1.The target of the “project to promote robotic care device for overseas”
AMED hosts the project to promote care products available on the market by supporting the verification in the target countries. The result is expected to induce market entry and regulatory approvals as a home-use device. By gathering the outcome and feedback, the project also aims to support manufacturers in formulating and executing strategies to disseminate the technology overseas.

Outline of the adopted project
(1) Name
Research and development of HAL Lumbar Type for Care Support
(2) Summary of the project
HAL Lumbar Type is a Wearable Cyborg™ designed to support various tasks in care, such as transferring aid, excretion aid, bathing aid, and changing sheets. While these tasks are known for heavy stress on the lower back region, the device is designed to reduce this stress so that the worker can work without worrying about the risks of injuries. This effect of reducing the pressure on the back is analyzed and verified from medical and anatomical perspectives. Furthermore, the technology is expected to support carers often suffering from a shortage of human resources by reducing the number of people needed for care tasks and shortening the time required. In the proposed project, the Company aims to verify the feasibility of oversea expansion in Singapore, the USA, and Germany. The outcome could be used to support market entry and obtain regulatory approvals in such countries.

(3) The scheduled duration of the project
Four months from December 2022 to March 2023

(4) The outline of the support provided by AMED
For each adopted project, direct fees related to the project, such as fees for goods and travel expenses, can be covered by up to ¥7.7 million each year. Furthermore, additional costs of up to 30% of the amount covered as a direct expense can also be covered as indirect expenses.

Reference：
■ Announcement of the adopted project (Website of AMED: Available in Japanese only）
https://www.amed.go.jp/koubo/12/02/1202C_00015.html

■ Precedent project in England
Announcement on large orders for HAL Lumbar Type
~ Signed a long-term contract with Hampshire County Council in the UK ~ (September 6, 2021)
https://www.cyberdyne.jp/english/company/PressReleases_detail.html?id=11434