"Paro" Robots to Make Major Announcement at RoboBusiness Conference & Expo 2008 | Print |

April 9 Press Conference at RoboBusiness in Pittsburgh to announce major sales/distribution agreement for “Paro” service robot in the United States

What: A press conference has been scheduled at the RoboBusiness Conference & Expo 2008 in Pittsburgh, to announce an agreement for the sales and distribution of the Japanese “Paro” therapy robot in the United States. The Paro robots will be available for examination, demonstration and photographs at the press conference.

When: Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 12:00 p.m.

Where: Press Area, RoboBusiness Conference & Expo 2008, David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Hall C, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Background: “Paro” is an advanced robot modeled after a baby harp seal, used to provide the benefits of animal therapy for those who cannot take care of real animals and those who live in places where live animals are prohibited, including hospitals, elder care centers and nursing homes.

Paro’s inventor, Takanori Shibata, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, of Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, will be on hand to make the announcement, and to introduce the new U.S. company for sales and distribution. Representatives of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will also be present. JETRO assisted in the development of the sales and distribution efforts in the United States.

Media Contacts: Prior to the RoboBusiness Conference, contact Jessica Camerato, Public Relations Coordinator, EH Events; at 508-663-1500 Ext. 296; jcamerato@ehpub.com. Onsite at RoboBusiness, please contact Kevin Kalb, JETRO Chicago; at 312-890-9842, or Nicole Derany, EH Events; at 781-883-7480.

About JETRO: JETRO has provided information and support to American companies entering the Japanese market for over 50 years. Through a local network of six offices in the United States, JETRO provides a wide-range of services, such as timely market intelligence, extensive business development support, and relevant business events, all designed to encourage business partnerships between American companies and Japan.

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