Wheelchairs have been round for a very long time — and I do imply a very very long time. Early variations of the wheelchair date again at the least to the civilizations of historical Greece. After all there have been plenty of advances made since these early days, however the fundamental expertise is basically the identical — a chair with wheels. After a pair thousand years, you would possibly assume it’s about time for a significant improve, wouldn’t you?
The wheelchair has endured for therefore lengthy as a result of it’s so helpful to those who want it, however that doesn’t imply it’s excellent. Going up stairs or over tough, uneven floor, for example, is unimaginable with out extra lodging. Possibly with some trendy expertise we are able to overcome these limitations to offer wheelchair customers larger mobility? A group of researchers at Chulalongkorn College consider that the time is ripe to do precisely that. Towards that aim, they’ve developed what they name the Exoskeleton Wheelchair, which transforms between a wheelchair and a strolling exoskeleton.
Utilizing the system in wheelchair mode (📷: Chulalongkorn College)
The Exoskeleton Wheelchair is constructed with a hybrid design, combining the features of a wheelchair and a wearable exoskeleton. When in wheelchair mode, it operates like a normal electrical wheelchair. Nonetheless, when wanted, the person can activate the exoskeleton mode, which engages motorized joints on the hips and knees, permitting them to face up and stroll with mechanical help. This transformation makes it attainable to navigate obstacles that might in any other case be unimaginable with a standard wheelchair, equivalent to stairs, curbs, and uneven terrain.
The body is constructed utilizing light-weight but sturdy carbon fiber, which ensures sturdiness whereas maintaining the general weight of the system manageable. Lots of its elements are fabricated utilizing 3D printing and CNC machining, permitting for exact customization and fast prototyping.
Movement management is split into two fundamental elements: wheel mobility and joint motion. The entrance wheels are programmed to regulate their speeds for clean navigation, whereas the robotic exoskeleton employs motors to regulate the knee and hip joints. The ankle joints stay free-moving to permit for a pure strolling movement. The system is designed with kinematic compatibility, which means that it carefully mimics the motion of human joints to make sure consolation and effectivity.
The exoskeleton additionally provides help with strolling (📷: Chulalongkorn College)
Essentially the most quick advantage of the Exoskeleton Wheelchair is elevated mobility and independence for people with mobility impairments. Conventional wheelchairs are sometimes limiting, requiring ramps, lifts, or help from others to be able to navigate sure environments. The power to face and stroll, even with robotic help, gives customers with a larger sense of autonomy.
This expertise additionally gives important well being advantages. Extended sitting in a wheelchair can result in secondary well being points equivalent to muscle atrophy, poor circulation, and strain sores. By permitting customers to face and transfer, the Exoskeleton Wheelchair may also help cut back these dangers and enhance general well-being.
Because the world shifts towards an older inhabitants, the demand for assistive mobility options will solely develop. The Exoskeleton Wheelchair might show to be an necessary step towards redefining mobility for these people, in addition to these with disabilities, making independence and accessibility extra achievable than ever earlier than.
