This project is a first step to developing a unique and innovative family of devices to assist the elderly in several different environments, including hospitals and homes.
TransBOTer
It is well known that our ageing population requires increased care and support in hospitals, aged care facilities and in private homes. Globally, 1 in 3 of all elderly people fall one or more times every year, that’s 1.37m who fall every year in Australia. This results in hip fractures, consequent pain and expense, and even deaths. Ageing safely and as independently as possible for as long as possible in one’s own home is often highly desirable from both the health and well-being points of view as well as potentially saving high costs to the national health budget.
This project is intended to be a first small step eventually leading to a unique and innovative family of devices to assist the elderly in several different environments, including hospitals and homes. A prototype of one device has already been developed and this project covers the rigorous evaluation of the prototype and also conducts a more thorough market survey of existing devices and customer needs to guide the development of a potential product family.
Researchers
Dr Phil Commins (EIS), Prof C Cook (EIS), Dr Paul Wong (Industry Partner and CEO of Applied Robotics), Dr Alison Bell (SMAH), Assoc Professor Venkata Yanamandram (BAL), T McDonnell (BAL)
