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Medical Technology

An intelligent walker that communicates with the user

A team of researchers from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) has designed an intelligent walker, called the i-Walker, with the ability to communicate with the user, think for itself and react to the environment.

STAFF | SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2010

The device i-Walker

The i-Walker understands a set of spoken commands and can be activated with simple verbal instructions by the user (e.g. "take me to the kitchen"), thereby incorporating freedom of movement with customized intelligent software.

The device is based on the technology Intelligent Multiagent Systems (personal agents or software systems that observe and interact with their environment autonomously, proactively and in a rational manner with learning and communication skills). In addition, it adapts to the specific needs of the user and enhances the individual’s autonomy in order to overcome a disability of either mobility or of cognition due to aging or disease.

The i-Walker fits the
specific needs of the
user in need of assistanceThe i-Walker can also be used as a medical rehabilitation tool, helping with the recovery of patients by strengthening their motor skills, since it is possible to graduate the amount of assistance that it provides to each user under medical supervision. Parameters such as the force that the user employs when walking, the distance traveled or calories burnt during displacement are collected and measured by the walker. Using an accelerometer, the system detects possible falls, edits the itinerary or the angle of rotation and has control of braking.

This device has been developed by a team of researchers from the departments of Languages and Information Systems, Systems Engineering, Automation and Industrial Informatics, and Strength of Materials and Structural Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the UPC, led by Ulises Cortés and Antonio B. Martínez.

The i-Walker is part of the European project SHARE-it (Supported Human Autonomy for Recovery and Enhancement of cognitive and motor abilities using information technologies), also under the direction of Cortés. This project is part of the sixth Framework Programme for R+D, with a budget of 3.5 million euros.

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