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Proof-of-Concept: A Hands-Free Interface for Robot-Assisted Self-Feeding
IEEE ... International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics : [Proceedings]
|September 30, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a robot-assisted self-feeding system for people with movement disorders. The prototype achieved an 89.1% success rate, enhancing independence during meals.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Assistive Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Self-feeding is crucial for daily life but challenging for individuals with movement disorders.
- Existing assistive devices often lack the dexterity to handle diverse food types or require significant user effort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a prototype robot-assisted self-feeding system for individuals with movement disorders.
- To assess the system's feasibility, usability, and performance in delivering food items autonomously.
Main Methods:
- A robot system trained with object recognition to perceive, localize, and grasp food items.
- An eye-tracking and display interface for human input and control, triggered by mouth movements.
- A pilot study involving able-bodied participants and one individual with a spinal cord injury (SCI).
Main Results:
- The system demonstrated an average overall feeding success rate of 89.1%.
- Average task completion time was 31.4 ± 2.4 seconds per food item.
- The SCI participant reported high usability (90.0 SUS) and manageable workload (8.3 NASA-TLX).
Conclusions:
- The robot-assisted self-feeding system shows significant feasibility for improving mealtime independence.
- User feedback indicates potential for future development of advanced assistive devices for individuals with disabilities.
