Robotic wheelchair easy to move and communicate with companions

摘要

Although it is desirable for wheelchair users to go out alone by operating wheelchairs on their own, they are often accompanied by caregivers or companions. In designing robotic wheelchairs, therefore, it is important to consider not only how to assist the wheelchair user but also how to reduce companions' load and support their activities. We specially focus on the communications among wheelchair users and companions because the face-to-face communication is known to be effective to ameliorate elderly mental health. Hence, we proposed a robotic wheelchair able to move alongside a companion. We demonstrate our robotic wheelchair. All attendees can try to ride and control our robotic wheelchair.