Pick of the Month – February 2009

AT Pick:

The ARM (Assistive Robotic Manipulator)
The Assistive Robot service Manipulator (or short ARM), which is also known as “Manus”, is a 6+2 DOF robot which assists people with disabilities, compensating their lost arm and hand function. It can be mounted on an electric wheelchair (or mobile base) and allows numerous daily living tasks to be carried out in home, at work, and outdoors. By means of an input device like keypad (4x4 buttons), a joystick (e.g. of the wheelchair) or another device attached to a non-disabled body part, the manipulator can be operated to grasp objects with its gripper. When not in use the Arm can be conveniently folded in beside the wheelchair. Worldwide user studies have shown the immense benefits of the ARM for its users. They become more self- supportive and increase their participation in society. Therefore the quality of life increases significantly.

Check out the ARM at http://www.exactdynamics.nl/.