Engineering a Safer Future: Electronic Design and Validation of a Cane-Type Robot for Fall Prevention

Abstract

Assistive devices have played a vital role in improving the quality of life of elderly and mobility-impaired individuals, and with the recent advancements in technology, robotic assistive devices have been developed to provide finer assistance. This paper proposes an electronic architecture for a cane-type robot designed to assist users during gait and provide stability during daily activities. The system is composed of both software and hardware components, comprising sensory input units, data processing units, and actuator control units, among other capabilities, that enable the robot to detect the user’s motion intention and move accordingly. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed system, healthy subjects were involved in real-life environment testing, showcasing promising results. The cane-type robot achieved an accuracy rate of 97% in detecting user movement intention and 90% in recognising the user’s gait phase. This system has great potential for use in rehabilitation and activities of daily living, with the ability to provide assistance while also reducing the risk of falls. With further development and testing, the proposed electronic architecture for a cane-type robot could improve the lives of those who require mobility assistance.