Assistive Service Robotics and the Future of Inclusive Employment: A U.S.-Japan Partnership

Description

This collaboration between the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, the University of Tokyo, and OryLab, Inc. explored how assistive service robots can enhance the community inclusion and employment of people with disabilities in Japan and the U.S. The three collaborating universities have extensive experience and expertise working with people with a wide variety of disabilities in the areas of inclusion, self-determination, customized and supported employment, and assistive technology. OryLab, Inc. has developed innovative assistive service robots (OriHime) that have mainly been used with people with physical disabilities. However, this technology could be used with people with other types of disabilities (e.g., intellectual disabilities) to provide on-the-job supports in employment settings. This U.S.-Japanese partnership was a synergy of knowledge and understanding of person-centered practices, customized and supported employment, and self-determination in support of people with disabilities living the lives they choose with the advances in OriHime technology.

Contact

Brian H Abery, Renata Ticha

Director

Brian H Abery, Renata Ticha

Funder

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan

Collaborators

University of Wisconsin–River Falls

University of Tokyo [Japan]

OryLab, Inc.

Staff

Brian H Abery :: Senior Research Associate

Renata Ticha :: Senior Research Associate