Panasonic Will Showcase Powered Wear ATOUN MODEL Y That Alleviates Work-Induced Burden on the Waist and Powered Wear HIMICO (Prototype) That Supports Walking, at CES 2019 in Las Vegas, NV, USA: January 8 – 11

The following video presents ATOUN MODEL Y: Wearable Assist Suit that alleviates work-induced burden on the waist:
“This video introduces the ATOUN MODEL Y: a wearable assist suit developed by Panasonic’s in-house venture company ATOUN. It detects the movement of the body with a sensor, and rotates a waist-positioned motor according to the intended movement, thereby reducing burden on the waist during work.“

This is an update to the previous blog, Panasonic Powered Wear: Dust- and Water-Proof ATOUN MODEL Y with Powerful Motors & Waist-Movement Sensors to Support the Worker’s Waist is Available; Lightweight ATOUN MODEL H with Wire-Type Walking Assistance Technology for the Elderly is Under Development.

Panasonic: ATOUN MODEL Y: Image Courtesy of Atoun

Panasonic will showcase two kinds of “powered wear” from January 8 to 11 at CES 2019.

Also, from January 2019, ATOUN will start selling the Powered Wear ATOUN MODEL Y to overseas markets.

Specifications

Product Number	AWN-12
Measurements (When in use)	Width 48.4cm x Depth 28cm x Height 81cm
Measurements (When stored)	Width 48.4cm x Depth 23cm x Height 67.5cm
Weight	4.5kg (Including batteries)
Assist Force	10kgf max.
Motors	2 sets of motors for AWN-12 use
Hours of Operation	Approximately 4 hours (According to estimated average workload)
Operation Environment	0 – 40℃
Suitable Wearer Height	150cm – 190cm

Note: The usage and configuration of the product may be altered without prior notice.

Panasonic: ATOUN MODEL Y: "This suit maintains optimal positioning with the wearer, through its minimal frame shape that allows for unhindered movement and its specially designed belts. The suit provides support and maintains breathability, helping the wearer to perform tasks comfortably in various situations." — Panasonic: ATOUN MODEL Y: “This suit maintains optimal positioning with the wearer, through its minimal frame shape that allows for unhindered movement and its specially designed belts. The suit provides support and maintains breathability, helping the wearer to perform tasks comfortably in various situations.”

NEWS RELEASE

ATOUN to Make CES Debut with ‘MODEL Y’ Exoskeleton

– ATOUN plans to launch the waist assistive exoskeleton overseas in January 2019 –
photo: ATOUN to Exhibit at CES 2019

Dec 28, 2018

Nara, Japan – ATOUN Inc., a Panasonic group company based in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, will showcase two kinds of “powered wear” from January 8 to 11 at CES 2019 (*1) in the AI & Robotics area at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) South Hall 2 (Booth No. 27018). In the booth visitors can try on the two types of exoskeletons: Powered Wear ATOUN MODEL Y that assists bending and stretching of the waist and Powered Wear HIMICO (prototype) that is designed to support walking.

Since ATOUN started domestic sales of “ATOUN MODEL Y” in July 2018, it has been well received and the company has already secured orders for 160 units of them. From January next year, ATOUN will start selling the Powered Wear ATOUN MODEL Y to overseas markets. The company is planning to expand sales to Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan in the future, starting with sales to ST Logistics Pte. Ltd., one of the biggest logistics companies in Singapore.

Panasonic: Walk-assist Powered Wear HIMICO (prototype)

The walk-assist Powered Wear HIMICO (prototype) has been proving effective in various conditions. For example, HIMICO provides assist up to 19.0% in hill walking, up to 17.8% in climbing stairs and up to 30.7% in walking on rough terrain (sandy land in this case) (*2), achieving basic functions at practical level. Aiming for more comfortable fitting and usability, ATOUN pursues an assist control method taking into individual differences such as walking posture and habits. In addition, the company will further reduce the size and weight, with plans to start test marketing in the next fiscal year that starts on April 1, 2019.

ATOUN will continue providing “Powered Wear” that supports the daily life and work of people with the concept of “aun” – harmony on a mental and physical level between two parties, such as humans and robots.

1 The world’s largest consumer electronics show held in Las Vegas in the United States.
2 Measuring method: Calculated energy consumption with expiratory gas device during walking and compared data when wearing and not wearing HIMICO (ATOUN data)

[For inquiries]
ATOUN Inc. Public Relations: Fukui
Tel: +81-(0)742-71-1878
Contact page: http://atoun.co.jp/contact
Homepage: http://atoun.co.jp/

About ATOUN

Established by using in-house venture system of Panasonic in 2003. ATOUN creates a new value and possibility to all workers by providing power assist products such as wearable robot “Powered Wear”. ATOUN aims to achieve “Power-Barrierless Society” where the people can work regardless of their age and gender.　To learn more about ATOUN Inc., http://atoun.co.jp/