Emergent Design Approach to Useful Assistive Robotic Systems.

摘要

Despite numerous research and development projects on assistive robotic systems during the past several decades, the impact of assistive robotic systems on individuals with disabilities has been modest. The goal of this dissertation is to find out a method for making a significant impact on individuals with physical disabilities through the use of assistive robotic systems. To achieve this goal, limitations and missing elements of existing research and development projects have been examined. Based on these findings, a practical and progressive design methodology to guide development of an assistive robotic system that is useful and marketable is proposed. Applying the proposed design methodology, an assistive robotic system that helps individuals with limited upper body movement to activate a button or switch is developed. The development process is described in detail. Finally, the overall aspects of the assistive robotic system developed are evaluated with involvement of potential users, particularly focusing on strategic design purpose for the device.