Espositori 2016
- ARDUINO
- HOME AUTOMATION
- YOUNG MAKERS (< 18)
- FABRICATION
- FASHION & WEARABLES
- INTERNET OF THINGS
- EDUCATION
- KIDS & EDUCATION
- OPEN SOURCE
- GAMES
- RECYCLING & UPCYCLING
- ROBOTICS
- SCIENCE
- ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
- MUSIC & SOUND
- ARTISANS & NEW CRAFT
- 3D PRINTING
- ART
- BIOLOGY
- FOOD & AGRICULTURE
- DRONES
- WELLNESS & HEALTHCARE
- HACKS
- 3D SCANNING
- CULTURAL HERITAGE
- STEAM PUNK
- CROWDFUNDING
ASSISTarm
It attaches to a wheelchair, and balances the weight of the user’s arm using spring tension applied through cables to four-bar-linkages. This helps the user to move with very little effort through a sufficient range of motion to carry out activities of daily life such as eating, playing and communicating.
The main linkages and pivots are manufactured through 3D printing, which allows the size of the device to be customised to each user. The lower cost of 3D printing compared with metal machining also allows the device to be updated regularly, making it the ideal solution for growing children.
Covers on the arm supports and over the mechanisms make the device safer and more comfortable, but can also be personalised to improve the acceptability of the device to each user.
Elizabeth Pearce, Marco Ajovalasit (HCDI Brunel University), Matteo Malosio (as representative of IRAS group @CNR-ITIA)
ASSISTarm was jointly supervised by the Human Centred Design Institute (HCDI) of the Brunel University London and by the Institute of Industrial Technologies and Automation of the National Research Council of Italy. The former brings together a multi-disciplinary group of experts who develop the knowledge and skills required to design products, services and systems which are physically, perceptually, cognitively and emotionally intuitive. The robotic department of the latter has experience in the conception, optimization and development of innovative devices and control systems. It is currently involved in the development and assessment of rehabilitation devices in collaboration with clinical centres.