On the design and evaluation of wheeled walking aids for the elderly

Abstract

Most of the walking aids are designed for military program or gait rehabilitation, however, there is lack of research on walking aids for daily life even they are necessary. In this study, we designed a wheeled walking aid based on the body parameters of Chinese elderly, which consists on both assistive seat and walking assist. Some pressure and sEMG sensors were set up for developing the control algorithm according to the biomechanical models. Using the Ergonomics Simulation System, we evaluated the operating ranges, the viewing angles, and the joint torque of the equipment to prove the available of the design.