Project Overview

Able Innovations aims to commercialize novel, zero-effort technology that is capable of eliminating the need for human involvement in transfers of individuals with restricted mobility. The current technologies and processes employed for transfer (i.e. bed to wheelchair, chair to chair, chair to bed etc.) result in injuries to caregivers as well as older adults, are extremely labour intensive, and create an undignified experience for older adults. A crucial step in the commercialization of this technology is to ensure that their proposed technology is safe to interact with delicate human skin and tissue. Due to the way a “compact conveyor” mechanism interfaces with older adults, it is important to thoroughly understand the interface between the device and client. To examine the shear and forces the device could exert on delicate skin and tissue, a proposed test system will be developed and employed. This system would include a complex array of sensors and data acquisition monitors on a test mannequin configured in a manner to collect relevant interface information. This information will be used to determine the optimal form-factor design of the transfer mechanism(s) and provide crucial data on its safety. This project will have a direct immediate impact on the ability of Able Innovations to commercialize their technology, and can have a profound impact on how new technologies and processes are evaluated. In addition to publishing the results of this study, potential commercialization of the test system itself will be explored. The proposed system could be used to test and evaluate other technologies and processes where client handling is of paramount importance.