The robot chases people and prevents them from falling. They called him "Mr. Bach"

As older people's sense of balance declines, they are at increased risk

potentially dangerous falls. A new wearable robot can help by detecting and preventing them.

Developed by scientists from NanyangUniversity of Technology and staff at Tan Tok Seng Hospital, the prototype device is known as the Mobile Robotic Balance Assistant or MRBA (pronounced "Mr. Bach"). It consists of a wheelbase and is powered by a battery. The structure is connected to a padded safety harness that fits over the wearer's hips.

While the user is moving around the house orelsewhere, the MRBA follows. With the help of a depth camera and other sensors, it captures control movements that will lead to a sudden loss of balance of a person. When this happens, it stops and keeps the wearer from falling.

The robot also identifies intentionalmovements, such as those associated with sitting, standing up and standing still. In all cases, he helps according to the task. The robot will come in handy in rehabilitation medicine, supporting users as they learn to walk again. For example, after a stroke or temporary paralysis.

During the testing of MRBA technology forThree days, engineers involved 29 volunteers who had suffered a stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. The device proved to be useful in everyday activities, and during the entire testing period, none of the participants was injured.

Now scientists are planning a new large-scale study. It is hoped that the technology will be commercialized within the next year.

There are three versions of the MRBA robot: one for people weighing up to 80 kg, one for people weighing up to 120 kg, and one for particularly mobile users.

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