Andantor
An weight-shifting controlled electric personal assistive mobility device that removes disability stigma
This light-weight electric personal assistive mobility design allows users with disabilities to walk on mild terrains, such as museums, city parks and other public venues, with family and friends with ease.
“Instead of being at fire hydrant height, you are at human being height,” said a Segway user. Categorization of users with disability aid equipment often becomes the tag that defines this undesired label. Andantor allows the users to travel at regular standing height with hands-free experience. Its stylish aesthetics also helps the user to feel more confident using this product. Equipped with gyroscopes, hall effect sensors, and pressure sensors, the Andantor’s self-balance ability prevents off-balance scenarios, which gives the users the level of assurance to be mobile.
“Instead of being at fire hydrant height, you are at human being height,” said a Segway user. Categorization of users with disability aid equipment often becomes the tag that defines this undesired label. Andantor allows the users to travel at regular standing height with hands-free experience. Its stylish aesthetics also helps the user to feel more confident using this product. Equipped with gyroscopes, hall effect sensors, and pressure sensors, the Andantor’s self-balance ability prevents off-balance scenarios, which gives the users the level of assurance to be mobile.
Design
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Safety and Confidence
Falling over is a major concern and it is also a critical design criteria of Andantor. Equipped with gyroscopes, Hall effect sensors, and pressure sensors, Andantor’s self-balance ability prevents off-balance situations, which gives the users a sense of safety and helps to gain trust on the product.
Approachability
There are two aspects in approachability: portability and ease of use. With the pressure sensor, the user can lean towards the direction that he/she wishes to head to intuitively to control the movements of Andantor, including Forward, Reverse and Left or Right turns. They can even be having a cup of coffee while traveling on Andantor without being bothered with crutches. Andantor is light weight with extreme portability, allowing it to be used in diffrent circumstances.
Falling over is a major concern and it is also a critical design criteria of Andantor. Equipped with gyroscopes, Hall effect sensors, and pressure sensors, Andantor’s self-balance ability prevents off-balance situations, which gives the users a sense of safety and helps to gain trust on the product.
Approachability
There are two aspects in approachability: portability and ease of use. With the pressure sensor, the user can lean towards the direction that he/she wishes to head to intuitively to control the movements of Andantor, including Forward, Reverse and Left or Right turns. They can even be having a cup of coffee while traveling on Andantor without being bothered with crutches. Andantor is light weight with extreme portability, allowing it to be used in diffrent circumstances.
User Research
Observing and analyzing Polio patients* in three different aspects: behavior, environment and psychology, I propose a new idea for electric personal assisted mobility device design.
*Especially aiming the ones who are able to stand and walk with crutches used.
*Especially aiming the ones who are able to stand and walk with crutches used.
Product Research
Challenges what users encounter when using electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMD) are listed below:
reference: http://taylormorris.org/segway-training-with-segs4vets/ , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xhb4KZDro8
1. How to get on and off the EPAMD is lack of consideration nowadays. For example, to get on a self-balanced, two-wheeled mobility device independently is rarely possible; disabled people need to rely on walls or other’s assistance because it sways slightly back and forth constantly to mantain balance instead of in a static state. Also it’s hard to stand up from a wheelchair since they need to put full strength on their arms and shoulders.
reference: http://taylormorris.org/segway-training-with-segs4vets/ , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xhb4KZDro8
1. How to get on and off the EPAMD is lack of consideration nowadays. For example, to get on a self-balanced, two-wheeled mobility device independently is rarely possible; disabled people need to rely on walls or other’s assistance because it sways slightly back and forth constantly to mantain balance instead of in a static state. Also it’s hard to stand up from a wheelchair since they need to put full strength on their arms and shoulders.
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2. Crutches are like parts of disabled people’s body. Portability and storage are important design concerns.
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3. Losing the ability of legs, they need to use hands and arms for walking. A steering wheel or a joystick still restricts the function of hands.
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4. Regular casters can be easily derailed from the desired direction of motion because of the obstacles in the surrounding.
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Insights: Focus on how to get on and off the device and where to put crutches.
Human Factors
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Comparing to wheelchairs and scooters, the base area is less when people at standing position
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Making 1:1 prototype to define base area
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”Instead of being at fire hydrant height, you are at human being height,” said a Segway user.
"According to the Miaoli County Physical Therapists Association / Zheng Zhu Long’s clinical experience physical therapists, standing is the strongest motivation for the patients on psychological aspect. Many wheelchair users biggest wish is hoping to be able to stand up. Have the same eye level as others and having normal social conversation face to face. (Source: National Federation of the Republic of physical Therapists Association Corp. " http://www.pt.org.tw/pt_news_detail.php?Bid=8&Id=163 |
Process
Skills include CNC, 3D printing, table saw, air staple gun, and experience with metal manufacturing factory.
