As the world’s population ages, the need for effective eldercare solutions becomes increasingly pressing. In response, a team of MIT engineers has developed the Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot (E-BAR), a mobile robot designed to physically support elderly individuals and prevent falls.

With its sleek design and advanced features, E-BAR represents a significant breakthrough in robotics technology. The robot consists of a heavy base with omnidirectional wheels that allows it to move freely in any direction. Extending from the base is an articulated body made up of 18 interconnected bars that can reconfigure like a foldable crane to lift individuals from sitting to standing positions and vice versa.

One of the key features of E-BAR is its ability to catch users if they fall, without the need for wearable devices or harnesses. This is achieved through two arms with handlebars that stretch out in a U-shape, allowing individuals to stand between and lean against them for support. Each arm is embedded with airbags made from a soft yet grippable material that can inflate instantly to catch users on impact.

The E-BAR team conducted laboratory tests with an older adult volunteer, simulating various household scenarios such as picking up objects from the ground and reaching items off shelves. The results were promising, demonstrating the robot’s ability to actively support individuals while maintaining balance.

While the current version of E-BAR does not incorporate fall-prediction capabilities, another project in Asada’s lab is working on developing algorithms with machine learning to control a new robot in response to users’ real-time fall risk levels. This integration would enable E-BAR to provide even more comprehensive support and prevention services.

The development of E-BAR represents an exciting step towards revolutionizing eldercare with robotics technology. As the population continues to age, innovative solutions like E-BAR will become increasingly essential for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our elderly loved ones.

The world of sports has long been fascinated by the unique charm of boccia – a Paralympic game that transcends age and ability barriers. A team from Osaka Metropolitan University has taken this phenomenon a step further with Extended Reality (XR) Boccia, an innovative rehabilitation program that combines physical exercise with emotional benefits for older adults. Developed by Associate Professor Masataka Kataoka’s research group, XR Boccia offers a fresh alternative to traditional boccia and treadmill walking, making it perfect for environments with limited space.

The researchers conducted an intriguing study to investigate the effects of XR Boccia on participants over 65. The findings reveal that both XR Boccia and traditional boccia showed significant improvements in mood, vitality, and energy among participants after experiencing these programs. Notably, there was no substantial difference in lower limb muscle activity during any of the exercises, although a notable increase in rectus femoris muscle activity (which helps extend the knee) was observed in both types of boccia compared to treadmill walking.

The implications of this research are groundbreaking. Associate Professor Kataoka noted that XR Boccia could be an effective rehabilitation exercise for older adults, boasting both physical and emotional benefits. Given its adaptability and practicality, it’s suitable for indoor environments like hospitals and nursing care facilities. The researchers aim to further investigate long-term results in a larger population of older adults and continue updating the XR program.

The study was published in PLOS One, shedding light on this innovative approach to rehabilitation. With XR Boccia, we may be witnessing a new chapter in the journey towards better health and happiness for older adults, one game at a time.

Researchers at Caltech have made a breakthrough in developing a simple algorithm for underwater robots to harness the power of ocean currents. Led by John Dabiri, the Centennial Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, the team has successfully created a system that allows small autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to ride on turbulent water currents rather than fighting against them.

The researchers began by studying how jellyfish navigate through the ocean using their unique ability to traverse and plumb the depths. They outfitted these creatures with electronics and prosthetic “hats” to carry small payloads and report findings back to the surface. However, they soon realized that jellyfish do not have a brain and therefore cannot make decisions about how to navigate.

To address this limitation, Dabiri’s team developed what would be considered the equivalent of a brain for an AUV using artificial intelligence (AI). This allowed the robots to make decisions underwater and potentially take advantage of environmental flows. However, they soon discovered that AI was not the most efficient solution for their problem.

Enter Peter Gunnarson, a former graduate student who returned to Dabiri’s lab with a simpler approach. He attached an accelerometer to CARL-Bot, an AUV developed years ago as part of his work on incorporating artificial intelligence into its navigation technique. By measuring how CARL-Bot was being pushed around by vortex rings (underwater equivalents of smoke rings), Gunnarson noticed that the robot would occasionally get caught up in a vortex ring and be propelled clear across the tank.

The team then developed simple commands to help CARL-Bot detect the relative location of a vortex ring and position itself to catch a ride. Alternatively, the bot can decide to get out of the way if it does not want to be pushed by a particular vortex ring. This process involves elements of biomimicry, mimicking nature’s ability to use environmental flows for energy conservation.

Dabiri hopes to marry this work with his hybrid jellyfish project, which aims to demonstrate a similar capability to take advantage of environmental flows and move more efficiently through the water. With this breakthrough, underwater robots can now ride the tides, reducing energy expenditure and increasing their efficiency in navigating the ocean depths.