Assistive robotic technology in aged care

Project lead: Distinguished Professor Gamini Dissanayake
Duration: 2012-2016

Researchers at the Centre for Autonomous Systems have been working in this emerging area to realise practical improvements to services for aged-care residents, developing a range of prototype intelligent machines.

These include a smart hoist, trackable walking frame, step-climbing wheelchair and a “Follow-me” trolley that shadows caregivers.  

Working with the Illawarra Retirement Trust (IRT) Research Foundation, and with the carers and residents of IRT’s Woonona aged-care facility, the researchers developed the Smart Hoist, an assistive robot that aids carers in the transfer of non-ambulatory residents – for example, from bed to chair. This enhanced patient lifter is fitted with sensors allowing it to interact with its environment and operator. The handles of the hoist consist of four strain gauge installations, attached cameras assist manoeuvring in confined spaces, and the boom can measure weight and body mass index (BMI). 

The researchers also developed a prototype “localisation” system that allowed care givers to keep track of residents during visits to a shopping mall. Shopping in a crowded environment can pose challenges for elderly people, such as navigating an obstacle-rich environment or forgetting the way to the exit.

The prototype self-localisation platform works by using data on Wi-Fi strength in particular locations. It is integrated into a wheeled walking frame, and an application on a tablet device displays the locations of the walkers based on the Wi-Fi data.

What impact did we create?  

Assistive technology provides assurance to those in care, such as the elderly. It also allows care givers to focus on the most important elements of providing quality care. Evaluation of the Smart Hoist showed it’s easy to use and can be expected to improve the safety of carers and patients, including by reducing the prevalence of lower back injuries among carers. The scalable localisation system supports the ability of patients to safely and independently engage in activities such as visiting a shopping centre. 

Who did we work with?

• Illawarra Retirement Trust Research Foundation 
• Woonona IRT Aged Care Facility 
• Peakhurst IRT Aged Care Facility 
• Distinguished Professor Dikai Liu, UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT
• Dr Ravindra Ranasinghe, UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT
• Associate Professor Jaime Valls Miro, UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT