Robotic stretcher for spinal muscular atrophy patient: Preliminary tests of user controllability

Diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) often cause motor disabilities through the progressive loss of muscle power. However, some patients must lie horizontally and thus cannot operate a wheelchair. The aim of this study was to develop a robotic stretcher for an SMA patient with severe motor disabilities to enable her to maneuver independently inside a building. The concept underlying the stretcher is that the user should be able to drive the stretcher using an applicable operating device while watching a display feed from cameras mounted on the stretcher. We have developed new devices with an operating algorithm, mechanical frame and control system suitable to the user's limited abilities (motion in only one finger), and verified their functions through tests of a prototype machine operated by the target user.

[1]  Tim Laue,et al.  Controlling an automated wheelchair via joystick/head-joystick supported by smart driving assistance , 2009, 2009 IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics.

[2]  Akihiko Hanafusa,et al.  Self-aided manipulator system for bed-ridden patients - Evaluation of psychological influence for the generated approach motion - , 2009, 2009 IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics.

[3]  Li-Chen Fu,et al.  Development of multi-functional robotic test-bed for post-surgical healthcare room , 2009, 2009 IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics.

[4]  Taisuke Sakaki.  Estimation of intention of user arm motion for the proactive motion of upper extremity supporting robot , 2009, 2009 IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics.

[5]  T. Klastorin.  Project Management: Tools and Trade-offs , 2004 .

[6]  Taisuke Sakaki,et al.  Robotic stretcher for SMA patient , 2010, Proceedings of SICE Annual Conference 2010.

[7]  Koji Ito,et al.  Fundamental research about electroencephalogram (EEG) - Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) rehabilitation system , 2009, 2009 IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics.

[8]  Eduardo Fernández,et al.  Long-term stimulation and recording with a penetrating microelectrode array in cat sciatic nerve , 2004, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

[9]  Dae-Jin Kim,et al.  An empirical study with simulated ADL tasks using a vision-guided assistive robot arm , 2009, 2009 IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics.

[10]  Taisuke Sakaki,et al.  Robotic Stretcher for SMA Patient: Preliminary Tests on Controllability and Safety , 2011 .

[11]  M. Nakamura,et al.  Neural network-based hybrid human-in-the-loop control for meal assistance orthosis , 2006, IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering.

[12]  T. Sakaki.  Estimation of Intention of User Arm Motion for the Proactive Motion of Upper Extremity Supporting Robot , 2007, 2007 IEEE/ICME International Conference on Complex Medical Engineering.