Dynamic control of a reconfigurable stair-climbing mobility system

Electric-powered wheelchairs improve the mobility of people with physical disabilities, but the problem to deal with certain architectural barriers has not been resolved satisfactorily. In order to solve this problem, a stair-climbing mobility system (SCMS) was developed. This paper presents a practical dynamic control system that allows the SCMS to exhibit a successful climbing process when faced with typical architectural barriers such as curbs, ramps, or staircases. The implemented control system depicts high simplicity, computational efficiency, and the possibility of an easy implementation in a microprocessor-/microcontroller-based system. Finally, experiments are included to support theoretical results

Autonomous detection and ascent of a step for an electric wheelchair

With the number of individuals using a wheelchair on the rise, the issue of removing architectural barriers, or at least overcoming them, has to be faced to improve independence, inclusiveness, and participation of wheelchair users. Some electric wheelchairs can climb and descend stairs and obstacles, however, the actual operations required to do so safely may be complex and may require an experienced or trained user. To overcome this issue, a method to first detect and classify a step and then autonomously climb it safely is proposed here. The same method is then applied and tested on an actual stair-climbing wheelchair prototype to prove its reliability in different conditions

Overcoming barriers and increasing independence: service robots for elderly and disabled people

This paper discusses the potential for service robots to overcome barriers and increase independence of elderly and disabled people. It includes a brief overview of the existing uses of service robots by disabled and elderly people and advances in technology which will make new uses possible and provides suggestions for some of these new applications. The paper also considers the design and other conditions to be met for user acceptance. It also discusses the complementarity of assistive service robots and personal assistance and considers the types of applications and users for which service robots are and are not suitable

Design of Motorized Wheel chai

First wheelchair model evolved long back in 18th century, but rapid development in this field initiated since mid of 20th century. Since then, many varieties of models had been designed, extending into broad range of products. This project involves the design of an ergonomically designed electric wheelchair for domestic use by Indian old aged people. Stair climbing functionality is embedded in the design through its structure and mechanism. The product mainly consists of 3 modules viz. seat, links and frame. Anthropometric measures are considered in the dimensioning of seat. The frame and wheels are designed and developed through the equations generated from the statistical data of dimensions of staircases in Indian houses. Focus is laid on different parameters such as form, functionality, technology and architecture of the product. The design is validated by developing Digital Mockups of individual parts are generated in CATIA and are assembled to form the final product. Necessary simulations of the product are generated in virtual environment of CATIA. The physical and focused prototype indicating the structure and functionality is developed using thermocol material. Here wheel carriers are made in RP (Fused Deposition Modelling) using ABS (Acrylo Butadiene Styrene) material. Wheelchair is embedded with some additional features like integrated commode facility, after gathering costumer requirements from different subjects

Climbing and Walking Robots

Nowadays robotics is one of the most dynamic fields of scientific researches. The shift of robotics researches from manufacturing to services applications is clear. During the last decades interest in studying climbing and walking robots has been increased. This increasing interest has been in many areas that most important ones of them are: mechanics, electronics, medical engineering, cybernetics, controls, and computers. Today’s climbing and walking robots are a combination of manipulative, perceptive, communicative, and cognitive abilities and they are capable of performing many tasks in industrial and non- industrial environments. Surveillance, planetary exploration, emergence rescue operations, reconnaissance, petrochemical applications, construction, entertainment, personal services, intervention in severe environments, transportation, medical and etc are some applications from a very diverse application fields of climbing and walking robots. By great progress in this area of robotics it is anticipated that next generation climbing and walking robots will enhance lives and will change the way the human works, thinks and makes decisions. This book presents the state of the art achievments, recent developments, applications and future challenges of climbing and walking robots. These are presented in 24 chapters by authors throughtot the world The book serves as a reference especially for the researchers who are interested in mobile robots. It also is useful for industrial engineers and graduate students in advanced study

Design of Motorised Handicaps Wheelchair

First wheelchair model advanced lengthy again in 18th century, but speedy development on this field initiated considering the fact that mid of twentieth century. Seeing that then, many forms of fashions were designed, extending into extensive range of merchandise. This task involves the design of an ergonomically designed electric powered wheelchair for domestic use by using Indian old aged people. Stair hiking functionality is embedded in the layout through its structure and mechanism. The product particularly consists of three modules viz. seat, hyperlinks and body. Anthropometric measures are considered inside the dimensioning of seat. The body and wheels are designed and advanced through the equations generated from the statistical records of dimensions of staircases in Indian houses. Cognizance is laid on extraordinary parameters including shape, capability, generation and architecture of the product. The design is verified by using growing virtual Mockups of man or woman elements are generated in CATIA and are assembled to shape the final product. Necessary simulations of the product are generated in digital surroundings of CATIA. The physical and focused prototype indicating the structure and functionality is evolved the usage of thermocol fabric. Right here wheel vendors are made in RP (Fused Deposition Modeling) the use of ABS (Acrylo Butadiene Styrene) cloth.

CES-514 Market Evaluation for Colchester Catalyst on the use of Robotic Wheelchairs

1.2 What is a Robotic Wheelchair?........................... 1 1.3 Type of Marketing Research used and sources of data...............

Climbing and Walking Robots

With the advancement of technology, new exciting approaches enable us to render mobile robotic systems more versatile, robust and cost-efficient. Some researchers combine climbing and walking techniques with a modular approach, a reconfigurable approach, or a swarm approach to realize novel prototypes as flexible mobile robotic platforms featuring all necessary locomotion capabilities. The purpose of this book is to provide an overview of the latest wide-range achievements in climbing and walking robotic technology to researchers, scientists, and engineers throughout the world. Different aspects including control simulation, locomotion realization, methodology, and system integration are presented from the scientific and from the technical point of view. This book consists of two main parts, one dealing with walking robots, the second with climbing robots. The content is also grouped by theoretical research and applicative realization. Every chapter offers a considerable amount of interesting and useful information