TRI Punyo Logs 300 Safe Wheelchair Transfers Using Compliant Chest Air Bladders

The Toyota Research Institute has made a profound leap in assistive home care by validating the TRI Punyo robot for complex patient handling. During an extensive benchmark, Punyo successfully executed 300 safe whole-body transfers from a wheelchair to an armchair. The robot achieved this while keeping patient contact pressure strictly below 18 kilopascals, ensuring a comfortable experience that prevents the risk of skin bruising in elderly users.

Punyo achieves this gentle handling through heavily modified hardware, featuring compliant chest air bladders and soft robotic arms. Instead of relying on rigid, cold mechanical grippers to lift a person by the shoulders or waist, the robot literally hugs the patient closely. This distributes their body weight evenly across its cushioned torso. The whole-body manipulation approach closely mimics how professional human nurses physically support and pivot patients during daily transfers.

This breakthrough provides massive relief for family caregivers and home nursing staff. Transferring loved ones is a leading cause of severe back injuries for family members. By taking over the heavy physical lifting, TRI Punyo ensures that elderly individuals remain safe, dignified, and comfortable in their own homes while protecting the health of their caregivers.