Stairs pose a significant obstacle for seniors wishing to “age in place” within their own homes. Stair-related falls are a serious safety issue that puts seniors at risk and strains our health-care infrastructure. This problem is exacerbated when seniors attempt to carry everyday items like laundry baskets, groceries, etc., while using even short flights of stairs. Existing solutions do not address the problem directly or are prohibitively expensive. Also, the benefits of fall-proofing measures, such as extra stair railings, are nullified if seniors’ hands are occupied while holding objects. This lack of viable alternatives contributes to seniors leaving their homes prematurely.

George Brown College (GBC) has teamed with Quantum Robotic Systems Inc. (QRS) to develop
a Robotic Stair-climbing Assistant (“ROSA”) for residential use. ROSA will be a small, easy-to-use robotic cart with semi-autonomous features that will carry household items (e.g., laundry, boxes) up and down stairs automatically. The project will produce a functional ROSA prototype that will carry up to 100lb while being virtually hands-free.

ROSA will be a readily accessible solution that will reduce the risk of falls and allow seniors to
remain in their homes longer. It will also create a product that will allow QRS to expand into the residential market

The project will build upon technology already developed through prior QRS/GBC collaborations. QRS has developed and patented a novel stair-climbing technology. Using this core technology, QRS and GBC have collaborated to develop proof-of-concept prototypes for three types of assistive devices: a stair-climbing mover’s cart (“Doll-E”); a service robot for the home; and, a stair-climbing wheelchair. QRS’s first-to-market product is Doll-E, intended for commercial applications. This project will combine and enhance existing features from QRS’s stair-climbing cart and service robot to create the company’s first residential application