Mobile Robot Solutions to Improve Wheelchair Safety
By Associated Press
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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GeckoSystems International Corporation has announced that they have successfully completed Alpha testing of their new "collision proof" upgrade power wheelchairs. GeckoSystems is a leader in the emerging mobile robotics industry, dedicated to providing Mobile Robot Solutions for Safety, Security and ServiceT. "We are very pleased to have completed initial tests of our new 'collision proof' wheelchair prototype. We now have videos on our website that clearly demonstrate the enhanced safety features of a power wheelchair upgraded with GeckoSystems technology. You will see that the upgrade prevents dangerous collisions with both stationary and moving obstacles regardless of joystick position," remarked R. Martin Spencer, President/CEO, GeckoSystems.
The Need
There are approximately 2.2 million people in the United States alone that use a wheelchair for everyday activities. Of that 2.2 million 40% find it almost impossible to steer using controls now on the market. Industry sources estimate that the total world wheelchair market is approximately 3.5 million chairs per year. The personal mobility market in the U.S. is $1.2 billion annually.
Recent market research conducted by GeckoSystems has revealed that in addition to users who rely on power wheelchairs for daily mobility, there is a demand for the collision proof wheelchair in the professional market. Often, elderly residents of assisted care facilities and nursing homes will begin to have difficulty controlling a power wheelchair as their condition deteriorates. Together, a typical power wheelchair and its occupant weigh approximately 250-350 pounds. An out of control wheelchair can easily damage walls, furniture, or even endanger other patients or staff. The worst-case scenario is a poorly controlled wheelchair that results in traumatic physical damage to the resident or another person in the facility.
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When this situation arises, management must address this harsh reality quickly. Elderly residents are often required to suddenly relocate from a familiar care facility to a new facility capable of providing a higher level of care. The family is forced to deal with the emotional issues of the move (further loss of independence, dignity for their parents, spouse, etc.) and in addition there is often a dramatic increase in the monthly cost of providing care for their loved one. Installation of a "collision proof" upgrade before the damage is done would forestall forced relocation and the trauma and expense that go with it. The upgrade would pay for itself in two to three months. GeckoSystems believes this is a significant market critically in need of a solution.
The Technology
The software used to dramatically improve wheelchair safety is adapted from the suite of hardware and software solutions GeckoSystems has developed for their elder care and personal assistance robot, the CareBotT. (Now that Alpha testing is completed, the CareBot is expected to go into Beta testing in 2012.)
Due to their success in retrofitting the initial prototype collision proof wheelchair, GeckoSystems recently received a second wheelchair from Imasen, the oldest wheelchair manufacturer in Japan. This second wheelchair will be used for additional R&D and eventual return to Japan for first hand evaluation.
"The release of the Microsoft KinectT depth camera and its cost advantage over traditional machine vision solutions has helped the company further reduce the projected cost of the upgrade kit. This will make improved safety more affordable for thousands who presently rely on a wheelchair for personal mobility," reflected Spencer.
GeckoSteerT is a new software and computer interface that was developed specifically for this application. It lies between the mechanical joystick and GeckoNavT, advanced automatic self-navigation software. GeckoSteer was needed to compensate for spasticity, tremor, and other involuntary movements associated with debilitating diseases that affect many wheelchair users.
It should be noted that GeckoSystems now has "proof of concept" for its proprietary suite of Mobile Robot Solutions for Safety, Security and ServiceT which may be migrated to mobile platforms (as in the wheelchair) that were not originally designed to be under AI software navigation control. Using GeckoSystems' technology, the company expects many other market opportunities to open up for them in both the domestic and international marketplaces. The sale of collision proof safety upgrades for wheelchairs represents "low hanging fruit" that is ideal for GeckoSystems' entry into the retail market because of the large numbers of power wheelchairs in use and the need for safety upgrades that is expected to lead to rapid adoption in the market.
The Future
"Now that we have a successful prototype of our 'collision proof' wheelchair upgrade kit, we will progress to visual design improvement and further cost reduction. We expect that technology-licensing revenues will precede revenues from product manufacturing and sales. We believe that our over 1300 stockholders will receive this news as confirmation of their wisdom in investing in GeckoSystems and be encouraged in their expectation of a satisfying return on their investment," concluded Spencer.
