Robotic Arm Assists Wheelchair Users

posted on Aug 02 by Amelia in the Disability News, Technology, Wheelchair Technology category

There is a new robotic arm that has been developed for wheelchair users with upper limb disabilities called RAPUDA.  Via remote control, the arm is capable of picking up and grasping items on a table or floor near the wheelchair on which it is attached.  The device weighs around 13 pounds and extends over 3 feet to pick up objects up to 1 lb in weight.

The RAPUDA robot was developed in Japan by the Intelligent Systems Research Institute at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (AIST).  The robotic arm was first shown to the public in September of last year.

Although somewhat slow and noisy, the robot is very helpful for picking up items or even helping limited mobility wheelchair users to drink from a glass.   It has a surprising range of motion. Regardless of these small nuisances, it can only get better and will surely put a smile on the faces of those who use it.  This helpful robotic device alleviates some caretaker needs and offers the person greater independence.

The cost is yet unknown.