Robotic Walker with Remote Path Planning

Abstract

The elderly population is growing at a dramatic rate and causing a greater demand for devices that extend independent living and promote improved health. Since inactivity among the elderly has been shown to be a significant cause of increased morbidity, and premature mortality, devices that enable daily exercise are essential to the health and welfare of these individuals. As locomotion is most often the primary form of exercise for the elderly, this segment of the population dominates the users of devices that offer mobility assistance. Recently, remote control of mobile robots has found its place as one of the important applications of wireless network technology. Typical remote applications for mobile robots include viewing, mapping, visual inspection, looking for leaks in pipes, manipulation of objects, etc. In general, mobile robot’s application scenarios cover industrial and home applications. The industrial applications vary from military to medical appliance. Mobile robots are commonly used in dangerous and inaccessible regions. They perform tasks that are often too difficult for humans, such as lifting or transport of heavy loads.