Assistive mobility devices focusing on Smart Walkers: Classification and review

Abstract

In an aging society it is extremely important to develop devices, which can support and aid the elderly in their daily life. This demands means and tools that extend independent living and promote improved health. Thus, the goal of this article is to review the state of the art in the robotic technology for mobility assistive devices for people with mobility disabilities. The important role that robotics can play in mobility assistive devices is presented, as well as the identification and survey of mobility assistive devices subsystems with a particular focus on the walkers technology. The advances in the walkers' field have been enormous and have shown a great potential on helping people with mobility disabilities. Thus it is presented a review of the available literature of walkers and are discussed major advances that have been made and limitations to be overcome.

Mobile robotic cart development to support home oxygen therapy patients: Study on handling interface for mobile robotic cart similar to wheeled walker

“…We often find researches on the robotic cart, which is similar to our proposed robotic cart, in the field of medical and welfare. The researches usually aim to support the elderly or disability people who have difficulty with ambulation [7,8]. Thus, for the purpose of implementation of the robotic cart, the researches adopt the operating forces, which are applied to the handles, to control the motion of the robotic cart for supporting users ambulation [9][10][11][12].…”

D2-2 Smart Walkers from an Ergonomics Perspective: A Review

“…These are devices which aim to supplement or enhance an existing human capability instead of replacing them (Martins et al, 2012). Therefore, there is a need for Lu, Huang and Lee (2015), (c) Lee et al (2014), and (d) Yuk et al (2013) (c) (d) (a) (b) compatibility between the device and the existing function it is augmenting.…”

Analysis and Mechanical Design Solutions for Sit-To-Stand Assisting Devices

“…Overviews reporting existing aiding mobility devices are given in (Martins et al, 2012;Krishnan and Pugazhenthi, 2014). The concept of using exoskeletons to assist caregivers was proposed in (Yoshimitsu and Yamamoto, 2004).…”