Flexibot – a multi‐functional general purpose service robot

Abstract

Rehab Robotics Ltd and Staffordshire University have been at the leading edge of research and development in the field of rehabilitation robotics for the past 15 years. During this period they have developed the Handy 1 rehabilitation robot which enables people with severe disabilities to gain independence in daily activities such as eating, drinking, shaving, cleaning teeth, washing and applying cosmetics. Handy 1 is widely accepted by experts worldwide as being at the forefront of technology in this area. A consortium of European partners, led by Staffordshire University and sponsored by funding from the European Commission Directorate‐General Information Society Technologies, is about to embark on the development of a new robotic system called Flexibot.