Extending an industrial root controller : implementation and applications of a fast open sensor interface

An overview is given of the design and implementation of a platform for fast external sensor integration in an industrial robot system called ABB S4CPlus. As an application and motivating example, the implementation of force-controlled grinding and deburring within the AUTOFETT-project is discussed. Experiences from industrial usage of the fully developed prototype confirms the appropriateness of the design choices, thus also confirming the fact that control and software need to be tightly integrated. The new sensor can be used for the prototyping and development of a wide variety of new application

Palliative care for the elderly - developing a curriculum for nursing and medical students

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Delivering palliative care to elderly, dying patients is a present and future challenge. In Germany, this has been underlined by a 2009 legislation implementing palliative care as compulsory in the medical curriculum. While the number of elderly patients is increasing in many western countries multimorbidity, dementia and frailty complicate care. Teaching palliative care of the elderly to an interprofessional group of medical and nursing students can help to provide better care as acknowledged by the ministry of health and its expert panels.</p> <p>In this study we researched and created an interdisciplinary curriculum focussing on the palliative care needs of the elderly which will be presented in this paper.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In order to identify relevant learning goals and objectives for the curriculum, we proceeded in four subsequent stages.</p> <p>We searched international literature for existing undergraduate palliative care curricula focussing on the palliative care situation of elderly patients; we searched international literature for palliative care needs of the elderly. The searches were sensitive and limited in nature. Mesh terms were used where applicable. We then presented the results to a group of geriatrics and palliative care experts for critical appraisal. Finally, the findings were transformed into a curriculum, focussing on learning goals, using the literature found.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The literature searches and expert feedback produced a primary body of results. The following deduction domains emerged: Geriatrics, Palliative Care, Communication & Patient Autonomy and Organisation & Social Networks. Based on these domains we developed our curriculum.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The curriculum was successfully implemented following the Kern approach for medical curricula. The process is documented in this paper. The information given may support curriculum developers in their search for learning goals and objectives.</p

MAGIC-HAND: A bottle and jar opening machine for people with severe disabilities

This paper describes the development of a prototype product named MAGIC-HAND that has been developed to open bottles, jars and packages that require a twisting action. Its intended users are people with severe disabilities, who are not capable of using the current range of package opening tools. MAGIC-HAND is a kitchen accessory device that fits into standard kitchen furniture. The machine uses novel design approaches applying human-centred virtual prototyping methodology. It is highly automated so users need only place the package in the machine, close the door and activate the machine with a single touch of a button. The machine automatically centres the package, grips its base, senses the height of the closure, grips it and twists it open. Safety features are provided to ensure fingers cannot get trapped accidentally. User trials have highlighted both the advantages and disadvantages of the machine. A comparison with current jar and bottle opening machines is provided. Routes to commercialisation are discussed

Development and integration of package opening devices with a flexible robot in a smart home environment

This paper presents results from the project PACKAGE based on assistive technology to open packages.The project has developed a set of different tools based on user needs. This paper will focus on an automatic device, Magic-Hand, that opens packages with screw tops. A similar automatic device, Magic-Slice was also developed for packages that require a cutting action . The project is within the theme of 'Design for All' and extensive user based functional analysis has been conducted during the project work .The resulting prototypes from the project are currently under going user trials and indicative results are promising.The devices are integrated in kitchen units not to disturb the feel of a normal kitchen. Future developments include the integration of these devices in a smart home environment including a flexible robot