Developed by a long-term care provider! With biomechanical design, it helps you stand up “in a flash”! Development of the “Sukutto Tateru®” standing-assistance robot

Ai-Net Ltd. (President: Hiroharu Nakagawa), which has been in operation in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, since 2003, draws its strength from its ability to reproduce, through robotics based on biomechanics, the practical caregiving techniques cultivated over more than 23 years on the front lines of the caregiving field.The newly developed standing-assistance robot, “Sukutto Tateru,” differs from conventional assistive devices that “lift” or “carry” users. Instead, it enables users to stand up on their own through guidance that leverages the natural shift in center of gravity and kinetic chain movements inherent to the human body, thereby drawing out the user’s remaining abilities and simultaneously promoting independence and rehabilitation.Furthermore, since the robot’s movements themselves serve as a “model” of proper caregiving techniques, this helps reduce the burden on care staff. This is Japan’s first* technology of its kind, made possible precisely because we are a care provider with in-depth knowledge of on-site challenges.We will be exhibiting at the “Care and Welfare EXPO” held at Makuhari Messe from Wednesday, October 7, 2026, to Friday, October 9, 2026, and at “Osaka Care Week” held at Intex Osaka from Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to Friday, October 16, 2026.

*Based on our research

■ “Sukutto Tateru” Standing Assistance Robot (Conceptual Image)

Standing Assistance Robot “Sukutto Tateru®”

1. [Societal Challenges and New Initiatives]

In Japan, where the population is aging and birthrates are declining, the shortage of long-term care workers and low retention rates have become serious social issues. One major contributing factor is the back pain and physical strain experienced by staff due to “brute-force assistance” during transfers and standing-up assistance.Meanwhile, care recipients are caught in a vicious cycle: being lifted by caregivers deprives them of opportunities to move independently, leading to further decline in their physical and mental functions. To address these challenges, our company has been pursuing a new approach: using robots to replicate “lift-free assistance.”“Sukutto Tateru” transforms the everyday act of standing up and sitting down into rehabilitation, supporting users’ independence while simultaneously reducing the burden on staff and preventing staff turnover. Through the coexistence of people and technology, we aim to enhance the quality and sustainability of care—this is the new model of care we are striving to achieve.

2. [Target Customers] “Long-term care facilities, senior health care facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, etc.”

Details → Care facilities in the Kansai and Greater Tokyo areas that recognize the need for independence support

3. [Concept] “Innovation” × “Product (Technology)”

Details → Unlike conventional assistive devices that rely on “lifting” or “carrying,” this system enables users to stand up on their own through guidance that leverages the natural center-of-gravity shifts and kinetic chains inherent to the human body. By drawing out the user’s remaining abilities, it simultaneously supports independence and promotes rehabilitation.

4. [Key Points of the Release] Product Description

The actual process of standing up with “Sukutto Tateru” is shown in the photos below.

First Movement

First Movement

Second Movement

Second Movement

Step 3

The Third Move

Move 4

The Fourth Move

Move 5

The Fifth Move

Move 6

Move 6

Initial Process

5. [Development Process and Future Schedule]

November 2023: Development of the assistive robot begins

August 2024: Prototype 0 (made of wood and aluminum) completed

June 2025: Unit 1 completed—intended for evaluating structure and movement

June 2025: Patent application filed (Patent Application No. 2025-106869)

September 2025: Unit 2 completed—featuring an exterior casing (for trade shows)

December 2025: Unit No. 3 (3 units completed) → 1 unit with modified exterior

February 2026: 18th Nara Chuo Shinkin Bank Regional SME Promotion Grant (Grand Prize)

June 2026: PCT (International Patent Application Filed)

October 2026: Mass-production prototype unveiled

February 2027: Delivery to begin (scheduled)

Development Support Organization: INPIT Nara Prefecture Intellectual Property Comprehensive Support Desk

<Prototype 0>

Prototype 0

<Prototype 1>

Unit 1

You can watch a video demonstrating how “Sukutto Tateru” works by scanning the QR code below.

QR Code

<Reference Materials Below>

■Representative: Hiroharu Nakagawa

Representative: Hiroharu Nakagawa

・Seconded from Keihin Construction to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Quality Assurance) for 7 years

・Worked at Sharp Corporation (Quality Assurance and Sales) for over 10 years

・Founded Ai-Net in 2002

・In addition, has trained over 300 care support staff (Kyoto Silver Human Resources Center) and serves as Vice President of the Nara Prefecture Small-Scale Multifunctional Home Care Network Association, among other roles.

■ Other (Patents, Awards, etc.)

・July 2026: Trademark registration for the product name “Sukutto Tateru” (Registration No. 7066547)

・June 2026: Filed an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty

・February 2026: Received the Grand Prize at the 18th Nara Chuo Shinkin Bank Regional SME Promotion Grant Awards

・2025: Patent application filed for a posture-changing assist device (Patent Application No. 2025-106869)

・Special Award in the Reiwa 5 Fiscal Year Contest for Companies Promoting the Active Participation of Older Workers

・Reiwa 4 “Company Promoting a ‘Shine’ Workplace for Employees” and others

■ Product Overview

Product Name: Standing Assistance Robot “Sukutto Tateru®”

Features: A robot that supports independence through assistance without lifting

Orders Begin: Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Distributor: Sold on a made-to-order basis

Price: 2,700,000 yen (excluding tax) *Leasing available