Robot Arm That Helps Wheelchair Users Better Handle Daily Tasks

For normal people, being able to perform day-today-day tasks is something that we take for granted as these tasks might be too challenging for wheelchair users. That’s why a robot arm has been created to assist people who use wheelchairs better handle daily tasks.

Canadian-based tech company Kinova Robotics made a robotic arm call the Jaco which can be attached to a wheelchair and work as a third arm to help wheelchair users to go about their lives with more independence.

The Jaco, through a promotional video, can be seen picking up a cup of coffee, carrying it to a table and solving a jigsaw puzzle.

As stated by Sarah Woolverton, Kinova’s head of marketing, to move the robotic arm to perform tasks, people can use the same controls used to steer their wheelchairs. The arm is integrated into existing controls so that the arm can be as simple to use and intuitive as possible.

Woolverton said:

Charles Deguire, the company co-founder named the Jaco arm after his uncle who has muscular dystrophy. The muscle degenerative disease leads to the skeletal muscles’ weakening and breakdown. At the moment, there is no cure. The disease affects patients’ independence.

Woolverton continued:

Although the creators of Jaco wants it to make life easier for wheelchair users, the device is inaccessible. The device costs $35,000 and is not covered by insurance companies, it is unlikely for the Jaco to become a mainstream medical device.

Digital Trends reports that Woolverton is in the process of developing a more affordable version. However, lowering the cost means that cutting back on the speed as well as the fine motor control of the robotic arm.