Fraunhofer IPA

Current/Planned experimental trials

Objectives

Collect data (forces, torques) with common walking aid systems (done)

Test intelligent walking aid Care-O-bot

Related project(s)

MORPHA

Robotic system(s)

Mobile robot Care-O-bot (I and II)

Methodologies

Data collection: Measure forces and torques (6 values.) while test person walks along given path (s-shape) using a common walking aid equipped with sensors.

Test intelligent walking aid: test operation modes direct control (including intelligent obstacle avoidance) and following the robot to a given goal (deviate path according to dynamic obstacles or user demand)

Questionnaires, discussions about intelligent walking aid

Involved users (number and category)

 

Clinical partners

 

Time schedule

Care-O-bot tests after completion of control software – around the middle of 2001

Other relevant information

 

Available laboratories/equipment

Electronic laboratory

Yes

Mechanical laboratory

Yes

Software laboratory

Yes

Robotic equipment

Several mobile platforms, equipped with walking aid and robotic arm

Other

 

Related publications

·      Schraft, R.D.; Schaeffer,C.; May,T.: "The Concept of a System for Assisting Elderly or Disabled Persons in Home Environments", Proceedings of the 24th IEEE IECON, Vol. 4 Aachen (Germany), 1998.

·      Schaeffer, C.; May, T.: "Care-O-bot: A System for Assisting Elderly or Disabled Persons in Home Environments". In Proceedings of AAATE-99, Düsseldorf, 1999.