Promotion of Standardization (Transfer Assistance [Wearable Devices],
Monitoring Support [Care Facilities, Home Care])
I. Research and Development Objectives and Scope
Regarding the standardization of transfer assistance (wearable devices) and monitoring support (for care facilities and home care), we will proceed with development primarily based on safety standards, while also considering performance standards and modularization.Specifically, we will formulate a basic strategic policy for the standardization of robotic care devices for transfer assistance (wearable type) and monitoring support (for care facilities and home care) and promote international standardization. This will be done in collaboration with consortium members—including the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the Japan Automobile Research Institute, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Nagoya University, the Japan Association of Welfare and Life Support Equipment, and the Japan Welfare Equipment Evaluation Center—based on their expertise, while also working in partnership with industry operators, the Technos Aid Association, and other experts.Regarding wearable robots, we will investigate the status of deliberations on service robot safety standards within ISO/TC299/WG2, examine the content and methods required to establish them as a separate part of ISO 13482, and develop a draft proposal for submission to ISO.
II. Implementation Details
1. Summary of Research Findings
With the cooperation of consortium members—including the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the Japan Automobile Research Institute, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Nagoya University, the Japan Association of Assistive Devices and Living Support Equipment, and the Japan Assistive Devices Evaluation Center—and drawing on their expertise, we have been working in collaboration with industry stakeholders, the Japan Technological Aids Association, and other experts to advance the international standardization of transfer assistance (wearable) devices. At the same time, we have been examining basic policies for the standardization of robotic care devices for monitoring support (for care facilities and home care settings).
2. Results
Based on the results of studies conducted through fiscal year 2015 regarding wearable robots, JIS B 8446-2 (Safety requirements for service robots—Part 2: Low-power wearable body assist robots) was published in April 2016.Furthermore, in preparation for Japan’s proposal to establish type-specific parts—including wearable robots—in line with the revision of ISO 13482 by ISO/TC299/WG2, we translated JIS B 8446-2 into English and presented Japan’s policy on the establishment of type-specific parts at the ISO/TC299/WG2 international meeting.Concurrently, we investigated standardization activities within the relevant TC299 (terminology, performance, safety of rehabilitation robots, etc.) and gained an understanding of their current status.Furthermore, to build consensus for the Japanese proposal, we visited key countries, provided detailed explanations of the proposal, and exchanged views, thereby gaining a certain level of understanding. As a result, at the ISO/TC299/WG2 meeting in Gaithersburg in January 2017, it was resolved to commence work on establishing type-specific parts, including wearable robots, no later than January 2019, when the revision of ISO 13482 is scheduled to begin.
Regarding monitoring support, based on surveys of the usage, functions, and sensors of existing monitoring devices, we investigated and reviewed standardization activities related to products currently on the market and devices/systems slated for future commercialization. As a result, we determined that IEC/TC79 (Alarm and electronic security systems) and IEC – SyC (ALL (Ambient Assisted Living)) are relevant fields.Furthermore, after establishing a Standardization Committee for Monitoring Support Devices and conducting discussions with the participation of manufacturers and users involved in development and practical application, we compiled the technical requirements for monitoring support devices (for nursing care facilities).
