This project is developing a wearable assistive device to help older people maintain autonomy in their life.
Wearable Assistive Robotic Device
The population of the world is rapidly increasing and aging. According to the latest report of the UN, the world population aged 60 years and over was 962 million (comprising 13% of the global population). By 2050, the number of elderly will double and reach nearly 2.1 billion (21%).
An ageing population is a major socio-economic issue globally. Aging affects a person’s mobility, independence and consequently their ability to perform daily activities. This is primarily due to physiological and functional losses, and lack of muscle strength, and secondarily due to diseases that are seen at statistically higher rates in elderly (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease).
Currently, several types of assistive devices such as walkers, crutches, wheel chairs (manual and electric powered) and braces are used to aid people who have musculoskeletal problems. In general, these devices support the individual, reduce load in their joints, and help maintain balance. However, all of these devices have associated limitations that constrain the scope to which they can improve the user’s experience.
A passive lower limb exoskeleton (WeARoP) will be established and trailed in this project. The goal of this assistive robot is to help elderly people perform daily life activities independently by providing body support during standing, and improving mobility during walking and climbing stairs.
The team
Dr Rahim Mutlu (EIS) has background in design and manufacturing soft robotics and wearable robotics.
Dr Emre Sariyildiz (EIS) he will contribute on the design of safe physical human-robot interaction.
Dr Manish Sreenivasa (EIS) will contribute his expertise on modelling and simulation of the human body and that of robotic systems that work in conjunction with the human body.
Dr Roba Abbas (BAL) will conduct a review of documented stakeholder (including user) requirements surrounding the proposed assistive robotic device, integrating principles of ethically aligned design into the evaluation.
Prof Lorna Moxham (SMAH) will contribute to this project by advising and developing the participant recruitment process, qualitative and quantitative research design methodology component relating to participant experience and subsequent data analysis.
Prof Gursel Alici (EIS) will provide expertise in mechatronic design of the WeARoP and mentor Dr Mutlu on managing the team, employing staff and accessing resources to achieve the best outcome.
