It is great to be selected to join this challenge. Thank for the chance to show how the idea work by Element14 and NXP, which offers the cutting-edge products, which is the core motivation for the IoT design for next generation in coming years.
My proposal
My proposal is Intelligent Elbow Motion-Assistance Actuator. This device is comprised of two parts. On part is intelligent arm gesture sensing and pattern matching implemented by FRDM-KV31. The other part is bi-direction elbow motion actuator that is implement by FRDM-MC-LVPMSM and motor with optional gear reducer if more power shall be provided. This design is in the categories of Healthcare.
Background
Most people will suffer from bone joints inability since aging is inevitable when the joints wears and muscles loss power. The problem becomes popular because our society become older with better health-care and life prolong technology. The need for simple devices to improve the motion ability of seniors for disabled joints is the background for design and implement of the Motion-assistance actuator. This design focuses on elbow motion-assistance.
IoT Technology with microprocessor collecting data from sensors can make the design really simple and affordable. Upgraded design with data analysis can bring intelligence to the actuator and keep traces of fitness situation of bone joints for better health care solution.
Problem to Solve
It is really hurt everyday seeing seniors in armchair and stuck at home even there are sunshine and fresh air around the yard several meters away, only hampered by one injured knee or unable to handle daily life only by one weak elbow. Just one slight push or small help can make the joint work fine, their life will change into a different style. Although iron man and automatic extra-skeleton are more attractive and advanced, what benefits the old and the weak is just a clever push. I prefer to making a device as simple as possible that can help a lot of people in stead of making a sophistic project leading the way.
