Yoshinori Kobayashi
Development of multiple robotic wheelchair system based on the analysis of group communication
Saitama University, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Assistant Professor
Researchers Theme Outline
Face to face communications are important even between wheelchair users and companions. However, because the number of the caregiver is not enough, there are some situations that the caregiver is forced to push multiple wheelchairs. This situation makes difficult to communicate face to face. To cope with this problem, we propose a multiple robotic wheelchair system to support their moving and communications. We analyze relationships between "positions and behaviors of individuals" and "communications among them." Based on the analysis, we design positioning strategy of robotic wheelchairs that can be naturally mixed in a group as a member of walking companions.