Green Computing Systems Research OrganizationWaseda University

Research and Development into Low Power, Commercially Viable, Cutting-edge Medical and Welfare Devices Incorporating Robotics Technology

• FUJIE, Masakatsu
• HASHIMOTO, Shuji
• YAMAKAWA, Hiroshi

• ISHII, Hiroyuki Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering
• IWASE, Eiji Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Fundamental Science and Engineering
• IWATA, Hiroyasu Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering
• OHYA, Jun Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering
• SUGANO, Shigeki Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering
• TAKANISHI, Atsuo Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Creative Science and Engineering

• ATOHAMA, Ryuta
• FUJIE, Toshinori
• IKEDA, Hiroshi
• IWASAKI, Yukiko
• NAKAZAWA, Chihiro
• NOMURA, Yoshihito
• OGAWA, Zenyu
• SAICHI, Kenta
• TSUMURA, Ryosuke
• WATANABE, Takabumi
• YANO, Shigehiko

The Green Computing Systems Research Organization (GCSRO) is examining ways to take the research into cutting-edge medical and welfare device technology which is currently being undertaken at Waseda University and shift it into the practical application phase. This research is characterized by the following five key areas.

1. A “single hole” surgical support system to limit to one the number of surgical holes cut in a patient’s body during surgery, and a heartbeat compensation system which increases surgical success rates by reducing the impact of heartbeat on heart surgery
2. A portable diagnostic system to quickly identify blood loss sites for patients who have suffered strong impact trauma due to traffic accidents, large-scale natural disasters, etc.
3. Upper extremity orthosis which acts on myopotential to suppress essential tremors in the hands of the elderly and allow them to have full control over their movements.
4. A walking training system that supports the thighbone to enable walking training for patients unable to engage in normal bilaterally symmetric walking training due to hip fractures, partial paralysis or some other condition
5. A quantifiable, multi-medical procedure training system that involves the development of a “patient simulator” humanoid robot

Through the use of the abovementioned cutting-edge technology, this research makes possible significant innovation in the level of Japan’s medical and welfare care. In particular, the aim is to utilize robotics technology to find solutions to the challenge of how to speed up recovery in sick, injured, disabled, etc., patients and the elderly. By finding practical applications of these research technologies, not only will quality of life for all Japanese be improved, it will also help to greatly reduce medical costs in Japan, which is a serious problem facing the country.

Furthermore, it is hoped that these medical and welfare systems will appeal not only to the medical and nursing care facilities of Japan but also to facilities in the wider Asian market, allowing these practical applications to serve as the foundation for a new Japanese export industry.