The i-Walk Lightweight Assistive Rollator: First Evaluation Study

Abstract

Robots can play a significant role as assistive devices for people with movement impairment and mild cognitive deficit. In this paper we present an overview of the lightweight i-Walk intelligent robotic rollator, which offers cognitive and mobility assistance to the elderly and to people with light to moderate mobility impairment. The utility, usability, safety and technical performance of the device is investigated through a clinical study, which took place at a rehabilitation center in Greece involving real patients with mild to moderate cognitive and mobility impairment. This first evaluation study comprised a set of scenarios in a number of pre-defined use cases, including physical rehabilitation exercises, as well as mobility and ambulation involved in typical daily living activities of the patients. The design and implementation of this study is discussed in detail, along with the obtained results, which include both an objective and a subjective evaluation of the system operation, based on a set of technical performance measures and a validated questionnaire for the analysis of qualitative data, respectively. The study shows that the technical modules performed satisfactory under real conditions, and that the users generally hold very positive views of the platform, considering it safe and reliable.

Association of Jumping Ability and Maximum Strength With Dive Distance in Swimmers

“…The research project reported here included four studies, which together provide a comprehensive evaluation of the prototype frame design. The approach taken is in line with recent research that likewise used objective and subjective measures for evaluation of an intelligent walker [25], however, the prototype frame evaluated here is a passive device and its novel features do not require power. Quantitative stability analysis of healthy older adults using a standard walking frame and the prototype frame demonstrated that the prototype frame design increases stability during performance of complex everyday tasks: the stability margin improved by ~ 10-40 mm in some cases indicating that the user-device system was further from the point of "tipping over" as compared to the standard frame.…”

The Use of Sports Rehabilitation Robotics to Assist in the Recovery of Physical Abilities in Elderly Patients with Degenerative Diseases: A Literature Review

“…The intelligent robotic rollator, e.g., i-Walk, is an integrated set of sensing, navigation, and user-robot interaction modules, which are designed in such a way as to enable the real-time operation to support the envisioned user-assisted functions [19]. They are suitable for providing cognitive and walking assistance to people with mild to moderate motor impairments (e.g., the elderly), and they can combine user-adaptive motion control, navigation in dynamic environments, and cognitive assistance.…”

Smart Rollators Aid Devices: Current Trends and Challenges

“…Indeed, all reviewed approaches rely on on-board sensors, such as force sensors [8], [35], [47], [59], force and torque sensors [24] or load cells [50]. In addition, a platform contains a voice interaction system, the user uses speech to express their intention [40].…”

“…Personalized Guide or improve users' gait using visual [25], [29], [57] or acoustic feedback [34]. Guidance the users to place they want to go using audio cues [40]. Guidance using resistive or assistive forces [47].…”

“…In the first case, the device simply monitors user condition [5] or useful parameters, such as walking speed or distance traveled [16], [51]. In the second case, the device provides walking support: steering control [1], [2], [3], [12], [22], [35], [50], maintaining motor function (e.g using visual or auditory cues) [25], [34], [40], [57], collision avoidance [59], or saving energy cost of walking [46].…”