Assistive mobility devices focusing on smart walkers : classification and review

In an aging society it is extremely important to develop devices, which can support and aid the elderly in their daily life. This demands means and tools that extend independent living and promote improved health. Thus, the goal of this article is to review the state of the art in the robotic techno...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Martins, Maria M. (author)
Other Authors: Santos, Cristina (author), Frizera Neto, Anselmo (author), Ceres, R. (author)
Format: article
Language:eng
Published: 2012
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/1822/14841
Country:Portugal
Oai:oai:repositorium.sdum.uminho.pt:1822/14841
Description
Summary:In an aging society it is extremely important to develop devices, which can support and aid the elderly in their daily life. This demands means and tools that extend independent living and promote improved health. Thus, the goal of this article is to review the state of the art in the robotic technology for mobility assistive devices for people with mobility disabilities. The important role that robotics can play in mobility assistive devices is presented, as well as the identification and survey of mobility assistive devices subsystems with a particular focus on the walkers technology. The advances in the walkers’ field have been enormous and have shown a great potential on helping people with mobility disabilities. Thus it is presented a review of the available literature of walkers and are discussed major advances that have been made and limitations to be overcome.