Essential feedback on first prototypes of smart mobile walker and upper extremity assistive robot

Abstract

Innovative assistive rehabilitation robots are being developed with the participation of user candidates and clinical experts during the entire robot-development process. The purpose of this study is to obtain feedback from users and clinical experts during a demonstration of the first prototype of both the smart mobile walker and the upper extremity assistive robot. In the case of the smart mobile walker, safety is crucial for all users. The system's weight is another important factor for users who are elderly or fragile. In addition, people with spinal cord injuries require ease of accessibility between a wheelchair and the smart mobile walker. For the upper extremity assistive robot with spinal cord injuries require assistance to use their fine motor skills, i.e., finger movements. Different fine motor skills are assisted depending on the disability of the user. Overall, the walker needs to have the capability of being customizable while retaining its safety. In addition, the upper extremity assistive robot requires a suitable handle, a pleasant appearance, and a grasping function. This feedback will contribute to the development of a pragmatic rehabilitation robot.