Announcement of the Selected Applicants for the Project to Promote the Development and Introduction of Robotic Devices for Nursing Care

Under the Project, METI will implement the following two projects to promote development and introduction of robotic devices for nursing care, which contribute to the independence of the elderly as well as reducing the burden on caregivers. (for details, see the material in Appendix 1(PDF:390KB) (in Japanese))

1. The project to subsidize enterprises and other entities which develop robotic devices for nursing care that fulfill the criteria categorized in the "Priority Areas to which Robot Technology is to be Introduced in Nursing Care of the Elderly" which was designated based on the needs at the actual sites of nursing care;
2. The project to formulate and evaluate standards, which are indispensable for commercializing the robotic devices for nursing care as well as research into establishing demonstration protocols.

1) The Project to subsidize entities which develop the devices

METI has chosen 24 successful applicants (which will each receive a share of the total subsidy of 800 million yen), out of 46 applications for the first invitation to the project, based on the findings of the third-party examination committee composed of external experts. For the selected applicants' projects, see the list in the Appendix 2(PDF:124KB) . (in Japanese)

2) The Project to formulate and evaluate standards

METI has chosen AIST as the successful applicant for the project, based on the findings of the third-party examination committee composed of external experts.

METI is scheduled to call for the second invitation to the project from late May to late June, 2013. Detailed information will be announced on the METI website.

May 28, 2013

Manufacturing Industries Bureau, Robot Industry Office