#Japan #Tokyo #Robotics #NSK #MOOVO™

Introduction

In the face of Japan's declining birthrate and aging population, the country's medical sector is grappling with the pressing challenge of performing daily operations with a limited workforce. This environment necessitates improving the working conditions of healthcare professionals, aiming to reduce their physical burden while ensuring they can provide quality care. In this context, NSK Corporation has introduced the MOOVO™ (ムーボ), an innovative transport assist device designed to facilitate the movement of patients on stretchers, thereby alleviating the physical strain on medical staff. The evaluation of the MOOVO™ in a real hospital setting is a vital step towards its commercialization, slated for December 2026, after an in-depth assessment at Keio University Hospital.

Background

As Japan’s demographic landscape continues to evolve, the pressure on healthcare facilities has intensified. With a shrinking labor force, there is an urgent need for solutions that enhance efficiency and safeguard the well-being of healthcare workers. NSK is prioritizing robotics in its mid-term management plan, utilizing its expertise in tribology technology to expand solutions in this field. The MOOVO™ device aims to support medical professionals by reducing the physical exertion required when moving patients, thus contributing to a more sustainable and supportive work environment.

The operational evaluation of the MOOVO™ will gather practical data and insights from hospital operations, crucial for identifying challenges in patient transport and offering quantitative analyses of the physical demands placed on medical staff. This initiative aligns strategically with Keio University Hospital's commitment to integrating AI, ICT, and robotics into their operations, collectively aiming for enhanced quality of medical care and reduced burdens on healthcare providers.

Features of MOOVO™

The MOOVO™ assist device, designed for attachment to stretchers, enables caregivers to push or pull patients with minimal effort. This intuitive operation does not require extensive training or significant changes to existing workflows, facilitating a smooth integration into medical environments.

A key aspect of MOOVO™'s design is its reliance on NSK's proprietary multidirectional assist control technology, powered by physical AI. This feature allows for seamless movement assistance across all directions—forward, backward, sideways, and rotational—enabling quick and responsive operations with minimal effort from the user.

The technology builds on insights gained from the earlier introduction of a remote-controlled version of MOOVO™, developed through collaboration with Tokushukai Medical Corporation's Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, which further refines usability for medical professionals.

Upcoming Initiatives

To share the progress of this evaluation, NSK will conduct a presentation at the 30th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Nursing Management Society, scheduled for August 21-22, 2026, at the Tokyo International Forum. Attendees will have the opportunity to see a live demonstration of the MOOVO™ device, offering insights into its capabilities and the anticipated benefits for healthcare professionals.

Following the collection and analysis of operational data throughout the evaluation, NSK aims to finalize MOOVO™ for commercial sale by December 2026. This device not only represents a leap forward in assisting healthcare workers through technology but also embodies NSK's commitment to fostering environments where medical professionals can thrive without the undue burden of physically demanding tasks.

Company Overview

Founded in 1916, NSK Corporation is a pioneer in bearing manufacturing in Japan and has spent over a century developing pioneering products and technology across various segments, including automotive components and precision machinery. With a global presence in nearly 30 countries, NSK ranks third in the world in bearing production, and leads in ball screws and electric power steering systems. For more insights about NSK, visit their official page.

References

• - Press Release (April 19, 2024): Practical implementation of transport assist robots in healthcare | NSK Corporation.
• - Academic Paper (January 22, 2024): NSK TECHNICAL JOURNAL No.696 - Initiatives in Reducing Healthcare Workers' Burden through Hospital Transport Assist Robots.