Panasonic cuts medical costs with new robots

Dubai, UAE: Global electronics giant Panasonic seeks to enhance its presence in Africa through the introduction of smart and eco-friendly technology solutions suitable for modern lifestyles and consistent with best international practices. The firm recently unveiled nursing and hospital care robots to help medical providers cut the rising cost of nursing care and hospital administration.

The two new generation robots are Resyone, which helps care receivers to transfer safely between their bed and wheelchair with the help of only one care giver while Hospi redefines medication dispensing in hospitals.

Resyone, the robotic bed, consists of an electric-care bed that transforms into a move-around sofa, where the patient can be transferred by just one care giver easily, without having to be lifted. Hospi is an autonomous delivery robot that helps with transportation of medication and lab sample collection in hospitals. The facility seeks to unburden the pressure on hospital staff especially when they are working with a deficit.

‘’Both Resyone and Hospi reflect Panasonic’s commitment to supporting, enhancing and simplifying healthcare with the help of technology,’’ explained Yasuo Yamasaki, director of the system solutions and communication division, Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa.

“We believe that the automation of hospital systems can help staff to dedicate themselves to their primary work since with Hospi, we bring hospitals a much needed relief to assist in day to day administration of tasks to offer better care to patients.”

“Hospi acts as a smart gadget and friendly helping hand, and guarantees optimum dedication to both patients and staff. We are trying to give care receivers and the elderly help to lead a more independent life by using robotic beds like Resyone,” he added.

The company’s managing director, marketing for the Middle East and Africa Division, Shinichi Wakita, said 2014 is the year of resurgence for Panasonic Corporation in Africa.

“The continent presents major growth opportunities for corporates, especially those seeking to invest in infrastructure that offers sustainable solutions,’’ explained Wakita during a recent week-long, international technology exhibition dubbed Gitex 2014.

“Panasonic is eliminating unprofitable business in Africa as it seeks to partner with various governments and municipalities in the development of smart cities, besides the introduction of eco-friendly technology solutions across all the key sectors,’’ he added.

He announced that Panasonic has diversified into agriculture through the manufacture and production of a high-tech, vertical indoor vegetable farming facility to boost food security. The company is pioneering agricultural innovation in indoor farming that can produce a number of food crops using soil-based cultivation in a controlled environment, and hydroponic farming which uses water only to grow crops without soil.

The hydroponic system is used largely for leafy vegetables, while the soil-based cultivation is used for root-type vegetables. He spoke to journalists at the Dubai-based World Trade Centre, the venue of the expo, where the firm launched the new farming technology among other innovative products.

“Panasonic’s commitment to sustainable living can be witnessed in its endeavours like farming technology, which is a solution to the global shortage of arable land and water, climate change and increasing demand for quality food as well as stable food supply,’’ said Wakita.

He added that the firm is promoting products that deploy cutting-edge technology to provide optimum use of resources without compromising comfort and quality.

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