It’s a bed! It’s a wheelchair! It’s a Panasonic!

What will they think of next?

Panasonic has developed a Transformer-like electronic bed that converts to a wheelchair while the person is in it. Is that a TV, too? It looks like there’s a TV mounted into the top of the frame. Yes, it is a TV.

But not just any TV. The screen also doubles as an X10-like interface to control lights and appliances, and it can be used to keep an eye on security camera footage too.

The wheelchair is also smart, featuring built-in collision detection and obstacle avoidance algorithms to keep the occupant safe while navigating.

The aptly-named “Robotic Bed” is still in the prototype phase, but it’ll be demonstrated at a health care expo in Japan at the end of the month.

[via CNET]

This post is tagged: Headline, health, medical, Panasonic