Autonomous robot technology for advanced wheelchair and robotic aids for people with disabilities

摘要

The use of robotic technology in assistive devices opens new opportunities for people with severe disabilities (tetraplegia, spinal cord injuries, etc.) at work and in their private homes. It can reduce social exclusion and assist social and vocational integration. Highly manoeuvrable wheelchairs for indoor use and wheelchair mounted arms are of particular importance. Due to their mobility, they are available on different locations, e.g. in different rooms of a dwelling for use in activities of daily living (ADL). Practical experiences and tests of a wheelchair mountable robot by users with disability are reported. This user analysis leads to further development of the human-machine interface and system integration towards an improved usability. A new type of highly manoeuvrable wheelchair is introduced. The modular software design provides comfortable means of integration. Parts of the work described are carried out within the ESPRIT project PMMA, the SPRINT project IMMeDIAte and the TIDE project OMNI.