Panasonic Koma

2021: Announcement of an exoskeleton capable of transforming into a trolley

At the end of September 2021, Panasonic introduced an exoskeleton capable of transforming into a trolley. The model is called Koma 1.5, it can be in the form of an electric wheelchair or a bipedal exoskeleton for the lower body.

As of September 30, 2021, the device in the form of an existing prototype is being developed by a subsidiary of Panasonic, Atoun. Among other things, the Japanese electric-powered clothing company previously presented us with Model Y and Himico auxiliary exoskeletons, which help their owners lift heavy objects and walk through rough terrain.

Exoskeleton Panasonic Koma, which transforms into a trolley

The idea of Koma 1.5 is that when a user carrying a load moves along a smooth, even surface, for example, in factory or warehouse shops, he simply gets up on the device and holds on to two control levers, and he is carried by four motorized wheels. This mode is known as Buggy Mode, and it provides both the smoothest move and a fairly simple control.

However, if the user needs to climb the ladder or step over the obstacle, pressing the button switches the device to Two-Legged Mode. At the same time, the two front wheels are retracted, forming two hinge legs, which follow the movements of the legs of the user, supporting them during lifting and lowering.

As an additional bonus, it is reported that Koma 1.5 is able to autonomously detect and avoid obstacles using an integrated camera and a computer vision system based on artificial intelligence (AI). At the end of September 2021, it is not known whether the cost of Koma 1.5, nor the timing of the start of mass production. The company does not yet provide information on whether the prototype will be substantially finalized or a model close to the pre-production will be presented to the public.^[1]

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