2008-04-09 23:57:44 -

www.parorobotsus.com - For Paro Robots U.S., Inc., Fort Myers BrooksLacayo Advertising, Branding and Public Relations Sandra L Brooks, 904-636-5085 904-613-9183(C) slbrooks@brookslacayo.com Takanori Shibata, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and inventor of the Paro therapeutic service robot, and representatives of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

announced today the formation of Paro Robots U.S., Inc. to handle sales and distribution in the United States.

The Paro robot is designed to look like an adorable baby harp seal. Covered in pure white fur, it features a hard inner skeleton under which are dual processors that control proprietary software behavior generation and voice recognition systems, and an array of sensors that working together, enable Paro to respond in a lifelike manner. The Paro robot can "see," "hear," and move proactively as well as reactively. The sophisticated technology is cleverly concealed in an elegant animatron that displays the intelligence and provides the companionship of a cherished pet.

The new company is headed by Walter K. Weisel, Chairman and CEO, who is a 30-year veteran of the robotics industry known especially for his vision and pioneering accomplishments. Mr. Weisel has been an outspoken proponent of service robots throughout his career and in 1990 received the National Product of the Year Award in recognition of developing the world's first voice-activated robotic/computer workstation for the severely disabled, including quadriplegics. His leadership and a long list of innovations including the world's first PC robot controller punctuate his impressive career.

"We believe Mr. Weisel is uniquely qualified to head Paro Robots U.S. and we are honored to be working with this leader and his team to bring the therapeutic robot to North America," commented Dr. Shibata.

About 1,000 Paro robots are being used worldwide with clinically documented results proving Paro's ability to mitigate the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia, and emotional complications stemming from the prolonged recovery associated with severe injury and illness.

"I view Paro as the embodiment of the best technology that has been developed over the past 30 years integrated into a groundbreaking robotic device that has as its sole purpose the task of comforting human beings," said Walter Weisel. "I could not be more privileged to have been asked to lead Paro Robots U.S. and bring comfort and therapeutic companionship to the health care community."

About Paro Robots U.S., Inc.

Headquartered in Fort Myers, FL, Paro Robots U.S., Inc. was founded by Japan's Intelligent Systems Co. Ltd. and Dr. Shibata, inventor of the Paro therapeutic service robot together with Walter K. Weisel, a leading figure in the evolution of robotics for the service of mankind. For more information, visit www.parorobotsus.com.

Electronic images of the Paro therapeutic robot are available upon request. For images and more information contact:

Sandra L Brooks

BrooksLacayo Advertising, Branding and Public Relations

Tel: (904) 636-5085

Cell: (904) 613-9183

Email: slbrooks@brookslacayo.com

¶ New Company is Responsible for Sales and Distribution of the Paro
Therapeutic Service Robot in the United States and Canada