Assistive Technology to Empower People    

Rehabilitation Technologies

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RoboMount     Switch operated robotic wheelchair mounting 

The RoboMount is a robotic wheelchair mounting built to support an AAC device or laptop computer. It is designed to give the wheelchair occupant independence in setting up, operating and stowing a device by single switch operation. If, for instance, the occupant uses a notebook computer for communication, which with the lid up (viewing screen) will restrict the field of vision for driving, then the occupant can instruct the RoboMount to close the lid and stow the computer to back of the wheelchair. 

  Key Benefits....

Typical User Operation

Any single switch (or wheelchair driving headrest switches) can control the RoboMount. Command 

decisions are viewed on a RoboMount Display Unit  or a Dynamic  Controls DX SCR unit.  A  factory programmable  computer  reads  the  user’s  commands  and  then  drives  the  RoboMount  arms. Sequencing of user commands are  programmed  at  the  factory  according  to  user requirements. Typical RoboMount functions programmed into the control computer are as follows. These functions are selected by the user to control the RoboMount. They are in order of selection:

1.         Bring to front

2.         Open computer

3.         Close computer

4.         Swing to side

5.         Swing to front

6.         Stow

Each of the 1 to 6 functions forms the menu that is viewed on the display unit. Selection is made by switch scanning this menu.  A description of each function is given below:

            1.         Bring to Front            

                        The   Robomount brings the notebook computer from behind the

                        wheelchair to the front. It does not open the computer.

            2.         Open computer

                        Opens the lid of the notebook computer to a predetermined angle to

                        enable the wheelchair user to  see  the  LCD  computer  screen.  This

                        operation also automatically switches  on the computer and  transfers

                        control of  a switch in  the   headrest   from   driving   the  wheelchair

                        to using the computer.

            3.         Close Computer

                        Closes the computer lid to enable wheelchair user to see ahead when

                        driving.  Also   automatically  changes  control  of  a  switch  in   the

                        headrest   from   using  the  computer   to  driving    the  wheelchair.

                        It does not switch off the computer.

            4.         Swing to Side

                        Swings the computer to side of the wheelchair to enable wheelchair

                        user to get out of wheelchair. It does not switch off the computer.

            5.         Swing to Front

                        Swings the  computer from side of the wheelchair to the  front.  It

                        reverses  the  above  operation  but  does  not  switch  on  or  off

            6.         Stow

                        Switches off computer, closes the computer lid, swings it to back of

                        the wheelchair and automatically changes control of the  green  

                        switch from using the computer to driving the wheelchair.

RoboMount arm positions (as controlled by above functions)

Attaching a Laptop Computer or AAC Device

Any laptop computer or AAC device can be attached to the RoboMount. The supplied bracket allows the computer’s view screen (computer’s lid) to be set up for automatic open/close.  One  mounting plate with open/close mechanism will fit almost all laptop computers. AAC devices require a specific mounting plate. Mounting plates available include AlphaTalker, DynaVox,  DynaMite,  Liberator, and Vanguard. A mounting plate can be custom  made  for  any  other  device.  An  inbuilt  multi-voltage power supply powers the laptop computer/AAC devices doing  away  with  the  need  for regular charging with the plug pack.  Some laptop computer/AAC device’s on/off switch can be readily modified to have auto power on/off.  

Safety Features

Sensors on the RoboMount arm scan for adequate space (swing radius) before swinging to the side.  A beeping sound and flashing light warns the user of inadequate space. The arm will not move until  the wheelchair is moved to provide adequate space. This feature prevents damage  caused  by  the RoboMount arm hitting an object or a person!

An automatic changeover relay prevents the wheelchair user from driving the wheelchair whilst the laptop computer is open. (Computer screen blocks the field of vision when driving) Only when the laptop computer is closed will the wheelchair drive operate.  

After Sales Service....

A 24-hour helpdesk is available via email (retech@optusnet.com.au) to deal with technical problems that may arise. We are currently developing an interactive trouble shooting guide on our website to also deal with technical problems.

Warranty....

All products supplied by Rehabilitation Technologies are warranted by the company to be free from faulty materials or workmanship for a period of two years. 

Pricing....        

*Costs may vary with specific customer requirements.

**Costs may change due to continuous product improvement/development.

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Last modified: June 14, 2006

Copyright 2000