Elderly Care Nursing Robot System

Developed by Roujiren in collaboration with Shanghai University of Science and Technology’s Intelligent Rehabilitation Engineering Research Institute, the Elderly Care Nursing Robot System represents an integrated approach to bedridden patient care. The system combines bed-to-wheelchair transfer, indoor mobility, toileting, and bathing assistance into a unified platform designed to reduce caregiver burden while maintaining patient dignity.

Product Overview

The Elderly Care Nursing Robot System—also referred to as the Bed-Chair-Bath Transfer System—addresses the full spectrum of daily care needs for bedridden elderly individuals. Unlike traditional patient lifts or standalone transfer devices, this system integrates multiple functions that typically require separate equipment and multiple caregivers.

The system was developed under China’s National Key R&D Program, receiving over RMB 10 million in government funding, indicating recognition of its technical merit and potential impact on the elderly care sector.

Key Features

Multi-Function Wheelchair Core

The system centers on an intelligent wheelchair capable of:

• 360-degree in-place rotation: Enables positioning in confined spaces without requiring clearance for turning arcs
• Omnidirectional movement: Horizontal and vertical mobility for precise alignment with beds, toilets, and bathing facilities
• Position transformation: Smooth transition between seated and fully reclined positions
• Direct docking interfaces: Purpose-built connections for beds, toilets, and bathing stations

Integrated Transfer Functions

• Bed transfer: The wheelchair aligns with and docks directly to the bed, allowing patients to transition without lifting
• Toileting assistance: Seated position enables direct docking with modified toilet facilities
• Bathing support: Reclined position allows transfer into specialized bathing stations for full-body washing

Single-Operator Design

A fundamental design principle enables one caregiver to complete tasks that traditionally require two or more staff members, directly addressing the caregiver shortage in institutional and home care settings.

Technical Specifications

The Elderly Care Nursing Robot System is Roujiren’s integrated bed-chair-bath transfer platform, enabling one caregiver to complete transfers that traditionally require two or more staff.

Note: Detailed specifications pending commercial release.

Clinical Applications

The system targets three primary use scenarios:

Institutional Care

• Nursing homes and elderly care facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Long-term care hospitals

Community Care

• Day care centers for elderly
• Community health service centers
• Government smart elderly care demonstration zones

Home Care

• Private residences with bedridden family members
• Home nursing service providers

The design addresses patients who:

• Cannot independently transfer between bed and wheelchair
• Require assistance with toileting
• Need support for bathing and hygiene
• Have moderate to severe mobility limitations

Development Background

The nursing robot system emerged from Roujiren’s transformation of decades of medical device expertise—originally focused on ophthalmic rehabilitation equipment—toward the growing smart elderly care market. Development partnerships with multiple universities have contributed specialized capabilities:

• Shanghai University of Science and Technology: Primary joint development partner
• Beihang University Robotics Research Institute: Technical collaboration
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, Hebei University of Technology: Strategic partnerships

Regulatory Status

The product is currently in the pre-production development phase with pilot demonstrations at industry exhibitions and academic conferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this system differ from traditional patient lifts?

Traditional patient lifts typically handle only one transfer function (bed-to-chair or chair-to-bed) and often require two operators. The Roujiren system integrates multiple functions—transfer, mobility, toileting, and bathing—into a unified platform operable by a single caregiver.

Is the Elderly Care Nursing Robot System available for purchase?

The system was in the pre-production mold adjustment phase as of late 2024, with initial batch production of 200 units planned. Commercial availability depends on completion of manufacturing scale-up.

What training is required to operate the system?

The system is designed for single-operator use with intuitive controls. Specific training requirements will be established with commercial release, likely through institutional training programs and operator certification.