Exploring Ergonomic Advancements and Smart Technologies in Future Walkers

Abstract

This work aims to summarise intelligent walkers’ technical and functional characteristics and analyse the best characteristics and conditions that any new robotic walker prototype should have. According to the World Health organization (hereinafter WHO), walkers and robotic walkers are indispensable instruments to improve adults’ overall quality of life by making walking indoors and outdoors easier. Additionally, it is imperative to emphasise that these systems should be ergonomically designed to address the unique challenges that older adults commonly face, such as arthritis, decreased hand strength, and cognitive impairments. By successfully adapting these robotic walkers with the characteristics that we will define in this article, the specific needs of older people can be better addressed.