An electric wheelchair mounted robotic arm--a survey of potential users

This paper describes the results of a survey which investigated and evaluated the needs and abilities of electric wheelchair users. The results of this survey will be used to develop a low-cost electric wheelchair-mounted robotic arm for use by physically disabled people to facilitate rehabilitation. The survey was undertaken by the author together with staff and students from occupational therapist training colleges, using a four-page questionnaire containing over 110 questions. The questionnaire was developed by the author together with Dr Robin Platts (Director of Orthotics), Mr Ian Bayley (Director of the London Spinal Unit) and senior occupational therapists at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex. After a successful trial the questionnaire was used with 50 severely disabled people from various backgrounds and social circumstances. The results of this survey show that the average electric wheelchair user is 40 years old, single (68%), living at home (58%) with family support (69%) and without any paid employment (79%). The most prevalent disability is spinal cord injury (24%) followed by multiple sclerosis (16%). The survey has identified several tasks which electric wheelchair users find impossible to do, and some of these will form part of the design specification. Finally 84% of the survey subjects would consider buying such a robotic aid.