Hairwashing Robot released

Lie back and let those mechatronic fingers give your scalp some love.


Bad hair day? Now you can blame your robot. Panasonic has developed a hair-washing bot that lets you lie down while your locks are gently shampooed.

Designed for Japan's growing elderly and bedridden population, the device consists of a reclining chair and a computerized washbasin.

The machine incorporates robot hand technology, with 16 mechatronic magic fingers that rinse and wash hair. It also remembers each user's individual data, such as head shape and massage preferences.

According to a Panasonic release, a moving arm in the machine first scans your head in 3D to determine its shape and the optimal amount of force to use while shampooing (one hopes this is foolproof technology).

Next, the robot's 16 fingers gently massage your scalp while a three-motor arm moves back and forth and force sensors ensure a delicate touch.
Bedbot (Credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic is also demonstrating a simplified version of its wheelchair bed, which facilitates mobility for bedridden people. The Electric Care Bed is more practical, consisting merely of a bed that partly converts into a wheelchair, and lacking the robotic canopy of the model announced last year.

The number of parts and motors has been reduced, and the chair does not have joystick control like its precursor, though it does have power-assist functions to reduce the burden on caregivers.

The shampoo bot and wheelchair bed are being shown off at the International Home Care and Rehabilitation Exhibition from September 29 to October 1 in Tokyo. Panasonic hasn't announced prices or release dates yet. These devices would join others that automate nursing care, such as Sanyo's Hirb human washing machine, and robot nurses like Riba.

It isn't fair that older folks are getting more robot toys than the rest of us.

Googles weird new add

I think I have spotted a trend. Google is trying to be funny.

Please, put down that meat cleaver and hear me out. Only the other day, CEO Eric Schmidt appeared on "The Colbert Report." He explained that he is making jokes, although he conceded he needs a little more practice.

So who could not think that this new extraordinary, strange, annoying, demented, surreal work of art that Google has just emitted on behalf of its Mobile service is not another attempt at humor?

You must decide if it is a successful attempt. However, I find myself admiring the bravery inherent in getting an actor the repeat the word "pizza" so many times that your acid reflux will surely become an acid tsunami.