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Published on: May 20, 2020
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Robotic Arm: Assistive Technology for Independent Feeding
Summary
This study developed a 5-DOF educational robotic arm to assist with feeding for individuals with upper limb disabilities. The voice-controlled assistive robot successfully aided the meal process, promoting independence.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Assistive Technology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Upper limb disabilities from conditions like spinal cord injury and stroke limit eating autonomy.
- Assistive technologies are crucial for enhancing independence and social inclusion for affected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an educational robotic arm with 5 degrees of freedom as a meal-assist robot.
- To enhance independence for individuals with upper limb impairments during meal times.
Main Methods:
- A 5-DOF robotic arm was constructed using 3D-printed utensils and a wooden base.
- A voice recognition module was integrated for command input, recognizing five programmed commands.
- Performance was evaluated through a water transfer test and feeding cycle time measurement.
Main Results:
- The robotic arm successfully transported over 75% of the water in the transfer test.
- Each feeding cycle was completed within an average of 21 seconds.
- The device demonstrated significant effectiveness in assisting the feeding process.
Conclusions:
- The developed educational robotic arm is an effective assistive device for individuals with upper limb disabilities.
- This technology promotes greater independence and autonomy during meals.
- Voice-controlled robotic solutions offer a viable path for improving quality of life.
