Robots

The Assistive Robotic Manipulator (ARM) (Fig. 6.12) is a six-degree-of-freedom wheelchair-mounted robotic

Figure 6.12 The ARM manipulator.

device developed in the N etherlands by Exact Dynamics, Inc. As a result of its functionality and mobility, the ARM offers users a wide range of manipulation pos­sibilities. Example tasks include eating, pouring and drinking, playing board games, operating switches, and opening doors. The ARM manipulator features a programmable user interface and flexible input/output for interfacing with electrical wheelchairs. It folds into an unobtrusive position at the side of the wheelchair when not in use and folds out when commanded. Its present inputs include a 16-button keypad, trackball, and joystick, which performs individual joint control, integrated hand control, or programmed modes of con­trol. There are currently approximately 100 users of the ARM in Europe, and it costs approximately $40,000.

The Raptor is also a lightweight wheelchair-mounted robot arm that controls each joint individually. It has four degrees of freedom and a gripper. It is sold by Kersten RT in the Netherlands.