Mobility assistive devices and self-transfer robotic systems for elderly, a review

When mobility degrades with age, it is of great significance to develop devices which can support the elderly in their day-to-day life. With the usage of intelligent assistive robotic systems, elderly population can lead a better quality of life independently. This article is a review of various assistive devices for elderly focussing on mobility and self-transfer systems. The practical difficulties in walking and moving from bed to wheel chair or wheel chair to toilet seat affect the daily activities of aged people. Depending on caregivers to access toilets affects one's dignity. The review covers various advances that have been evolved in this area of research and addresses the limitations to be overcome.