Panasonic Introduces Its Tomato-picking Robot and Parallel Link Robot at International Robot Exhibition 2015

Tokyo, Japan - Panasonic took part in one of the world's largest robot exhibitions, the International Robot Exhibition 2015 (held from December 2 to 5, 2015 at Tokyo Big Sight). Panasonic proposed numerous robotics solutions that contribute to a wide range of industries, including the manufacturing industry as well as the primary industry represented by farming and the tertiary or service industry. The tomato-picking robot currently being developed, the communication robot, "HOSPI-Rimo(R)," and the parallel link robot which can be "directly taught" skills by master mechanics drew much attention.

Exhibit highlights

Autonomous delivery robot, HOSPI(R)
This robot will autonomously deliver items to destinations. It doesn't need electromagnetic tapes, etc. to find its route, rather, it autonomously plans its route based on the map of the facilities and location of the corridors, and it can even use the elevator to change floors. When passing by other people, the robot will slow down, and if there is enough space, it can maneuver around passersby, so the HOSPI realizes both safety and efficiency. At the hospital, it can deliver pharmaceuticals and specimens, allowing hospital staff to focus on their tasks, improve service provided to patients, and reduce risks that arise when they leave patients' bedsides.

HOSPI-Rimo(R) (currently under development)
Panasonic is also developing the communication robot, "HOSPI-Rimo(R)" which is drawing attention as a potential guide robot at train stations, airports, showrooms, etc. Like the HOSPI, it can autonomously get to the destination, and it can also distinguish individuals with facial recognition and communicate interactively using the high definition display.

Parallel link robot
Panasonic's "parallel link robot" can be "directly taught" movements and skills of a master mechanic. It quantifies the know-how gathered and reproduces it faithfully. It can also respond quickly and delicately. The robot can automatically perform a wide range of manufacturing processes such as inserting parts to electronic substrates, applying adhesives, and assembling parts, supporting a high quality, yet affordable, innovative manufacturing.

Tomato-picking robot (currently under development)
With newly developed sensors and image processing technology, Panasonic is developing harvest robots that can accurately assess color, shape, and location. This robot can even pick fruits such as tomatoes that were thought difficult to harvest with machinery without leaving a single scratch. And by connecting to the network, it can automatically move around the ridges and transport the tomatoes to baskets or even change baskets, so it can autonomously undertake every step of the harvesting process.

GaN/SiC power devices (currently under development)
The demand for robots is increasing among various industries. And Panasonic is also making contributions with its devices.
High voltage / Miniaturization / Rapid switching power devices made with GaN and SiC can help realize all these features.
These devices are drawing attention as key devices that will help save energy at high currents and high voltage and also contribute to the miniaturization of equipment.

To realize a society where people and robots work together, where people can enjoy an enriched lifestyle Panasonic will continue to develop game-changing robotics technologies drawing on the group's collective strengths.

* "HOSPI," "HOSPI-Rimo" and "Direct Teaching" are registered trademarks of Panasonic.

International Robot Exhibition 2015

Period: December 2 (Wed) - 5 (Sat), 2015, 10:00 - 17:00
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight East Hall
Panasonic booth is located in East Hall 5, booth number: SR-80