Recent trends in assistive technology for mobility

Submitted by mlb78 on Fri, 09/16/2016 - 17:21
TitleRecent trends in assistive technology for mobility
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsCowan, Rachel E., Fregly, Benjamin J., Boninger, Michael L., Chan, Leighton, Rodgers, Mary, and Reinkensmeyer, David
JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation
Volume9
Issue1
Pagination20
ISSN Number1743-0003
Accession Number22520500
Keywordsassistive technology, disability, robotics
AbstractLoss of physical mobility makes maximal participation in desired activities more difficult and in the worst case fully prevents participation. This paper surveys recent work in assistive technology to improve mobility for persons with a disability, drawing on examples observed during a tour of academic and industrial research sites in Europe. The underlying theme of this recent work is a more seamless integration of the capabilities of the user and the assistive technology. This improved integration spans diverse technologies, including powered wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, functional electrical stimulation, and wearable exoskeletons. Improved integration is being accomplished in three ways: 1) improving the assistive technology mechanics; 2) improving the user-technology physical interface; and 3) sharing of control between the user and the technology. We provide an overview of these improvements in user-technology integration and discuss whether such improvements have the potential to be transformative for people with mobility impairments.
NotesThis article introduced recent trends in assistive technology to improve mobility for people with disabilities. When providing services for patrons with physical disabilities, librarians could use examples in this article to better address their needs to expand their library accessibility.
DOI10.1186/1743-0003-9-20