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Zhang Z, Xu P, Wu C, Yu H. Smart Nursing Wheelchairs: A New Trend in Assisted Care and the Future of Multifunctional Integration. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:492. [PMID: 39194471 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9080492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
As a significant technological innovation in the fields of medicine and geriatric care, smart care wheelchairs offer a novel approach to providing high-quality care services and improving the quality of care. The aim of this review article is to examine the development, applications and prospects of smart nursing wheelchairs, with particular emphasis on their assistive nursing functions, multiple-sensor fusion technology, and human-machine interaction interfaces. First, we describe the assistive functions of nursing wheelchairs, including position changing, transferring, bathing, and toileting, which significantly reduce the workload of nursing staff and improve the quality of care. Second, we summarized the existing multiple-sensor fusion technology for smart nursing wheelchairs, including LiDAR, RGB-D, ultrasonic sensors, etc. These technologies give wheelchairs autonomy and safety, better meeting patients' needs. We also discussed the human-machine interaction interfaces of intelligent care wheelchairs, such as voice recognition, touch screens, and remote controls. These interfaces allow users to operate and control the wheelchair more easily, improving usability and maneuverability. Finally, we emphasized the importance of multifunctional-integrated care wheelchairs that integrate assistive care, navigation, and human-machine interaction functions into a comprehensive care solution for users. We are looking forward to the future and assume that smart nursing wheelchairs will play an increasingly important role in medicine and geriatric care. By integrating advanced technologies such as enhanced artificial intelligence, intelligent sensors, and remote monitoring, we expect to further improve patients' quality of care and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhewen Zhang
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology Institute, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology Institute, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Chengjia Wu
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology Institute, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Hongliu Yu
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology Institute, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
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Leone S, Giunta L, Rino V, Mellace S, Sozzi A, Lago F, Curcio EM, Pisla D, Carbone G. Design of a Wheelchair-Mounted Robotic Arm for Feeding Assistance of Upper-Limb Impaired Patients. ROBOTICS 2024; 13:38. [DOI: 10.3390/robotics13030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
This paper delineates the design and realization of a Wheelchair-Mounted Robotic Arm (WMRA), envisioned as an autonomous assistance apparatus for individuals encountering motor difficulties and/or upper limb paralysis. The proposed design solution is based on employing a 3D printing process coupled with optimization design techniques to achieve a cost-oriented and user-friendly solution. The proposed design is based on utilizing commercial Arduino control hardware. The proposed device has been named Pick&Eat. The proposed device embodies reliability, functionality, and cost-effectiveness, and features a modular structure housing a 4-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm with a fixing frame that can be attached to commercial wheelchairs. The arm is integrated with an interchangeable end-effector facilitating the use of various tools such as spoons or forks tailored to different food types. Electrical and sensor components were meticulously designed, incorporating sensors to ensure user safety throughout operations. Smooth and secure operations are achieved through a sequential procedure that is depicted in a specific flowchart. Experimental tests have been carried out to demonstrate the engineering feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed design solution as an innovative assistive solution for individuals grappling with upper limb impairment. Its capacity to aid patients during the eating process holds promise for enhancing their quality of life, particularly among the elderly and those with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Leone
- DIMEG, Department of Mechanics, Energy, and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Luigi Giunta
- DIMEG, Department of Mechanics, Energy, and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rino
- DIMEG, Department of Mechanics, Energy, and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Simone Mellace
- DIMEG, Department of Mechanics, Energy, and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Alessio Sozzi
- DIMEG, Department of Mechanics, Energy, and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Francesco Lago
- DIMEG, Department of Mechanics, Energy, and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Elio Matteo Curcio
- DIMEG, Department of Mechanics, Energy, and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Doina Pisla
- CESTER, Research Center for Industrial Robots Simulation and Testing, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Technical Sciences Academy of Romania, 010413 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Giuseppe Carbone
- DIMEG, Department of Mechanics, Energy, and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
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Traded and combined cooperative control of a smart wheelchair. ROBOTICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0263574721001855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
This article deals with a human–machine cooperative system for the control of a smart wheelchair for people with motor disabilities. The choice of a traded control mode is first argued. The paper then pursues two objectives. The first is to describe the design of the cooperative system by focusing on the dialogue and the interaction between the pilot and the robot. The second objective is to introduce a new cooperative mode. In this one, three features are proposed: two semi-autonomous features, a wall following and a doorway crossing, during which the user can intervene punctually to rectify a trajectory or a path, and an assisted mode where, conversely, the machine intervenes in a manual control to avoid obstacles. This mode of intervention of an entity, human or machine, supervising a movement controlled by the other is referred as “combined control.” Examples of scenarios exploiting the cooperative capabilities of the system are presented and discussed.
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