ATR is developing a smart network that combines cameras, sensors, and robots to create an assisted living platform. The system could be used in shopping malls and other areas.

Hitachi’s transportation robot appeared at IREX 2009, along with a unique security sensor that senses vibrations passing through fiber optic cables.

Hitachi is probably best known for their televisions and home theater equipment, but they’ve also got an interest in robotics. The EMIEW was Hitachi’s first prototype office workmate.

Hitachi developed a prototype Intelligent User Interface, nicknamed Bot-chan, which it displayed at CEATEC Japan 2005. The goal was to create a simple interface that uses spoken language instead of standard remote controls.