A small electric vehicle includes: left and right motors connected so as to respectively transmit power to left and right driving wheels; left and right rotation speed sensors; a joystick-type operation element; and a control unit, wherein it is configured to calculate target rotation speeds of the left and right motors, based on a target vehicle speed and a target vehicle angular velocity that are provided according to an operation position of the operation element, and control the left and right motors such that the actual rotation speeds of the left and right motors follow the respective target rotation speeds, and configured to update at least one target value, according to a cumulative number of travels obtained by dividing, by a predetermined control unit, a cumulative total value of a cumulative power consumption obtained by the battery management unit.

In one embodiment, a control system for a power wheelchair is provided allowing a user to change the type of input control device throughout a day, week, month, and/or year as their physical and/or mental condition changes. This includes changing input controls from proportional to switch-type devices. A user may start the day when they are not tired with a proportional input control device like a proportional joystick. Then, as the day progresses and the user begins to experience fatigue or exhaustion, the user can change to a switch-type control device requiring less control and dexterity (e.g., less strength and energy) to effectively control the power wheelchair. The user can also start the day with a 4, 3, or 2 switch direction input control and later change to a single switch input control device with scanning. Other combinations are also possible.

A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure and support wheels coupled to the support structure. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the support structure to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the floor surface to assist users. An actuator is operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheel and operable to move the auxiliary wheel relative to the support structure from a retracted position to a deployed position. A user interface sensor is operatively connected to the actuator and configured to generate signals responsive to the user touching the user interface. A controller is operatively coupled to the user interface sensor and the actuator to operate the actuator in response to detection of signals.

An integrated and autonomous mobility system for disabled persons including an automated wheelchair (AV) and an Adapted Automated Vehicle (AAV) configured to work together as an integrated unit to transport a user to a pre-selected destination with little to no input from the user during the trip. The AV is also configured to operate independently of the AAV to transport the user on shorter trips, or to continue a journey after the AAV has transported the AW to an intermediate destination. Multiple safety systems are included. The system has an override function according to which a user can interrupt the automated transport operation and cause the AV and/or AAV to stop, slow down, speed up, or change direction.

A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame, at least one drive assembly and at least one caster pivot arm. The at least one drive assembly and the at least one caster pivot arm are pivotally connected to the frame at a common pivot axis such that the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm are pivotable relative to one another.

There is provided a dynamic and proactive system for supporting sitting while detecting and changing sitting postures of a user and method of operation thereof. The system including a frame, a plurality of supports, each configured to support a different body part, and a plurality of joints each configured to move independently of or together with any other of the joints, each of the supports is connected to the frame via a corresponding joint, at least one of the joints is a two dimensional joint which enables a change in angle between the frame and a corresponding support. Each one of the plurality of supports is configured to move with respect to the frame or to another support, thereby enabling any changes in sitting postures of the user. The system comprises sensors, which based on their readings, the system detects user postures and suggests or creates posture changes.

A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a base, a patient support surface, and a reference sensor arranged to sense inclination of the support structure. A drive system is coupled to the support structure and operable to propel the patient transport apparatus. A handle assembly is operable by a user to control operation of the drive system. The handle assembly comprises a handle movable relative to the base and a position sensor arranged to sense positioning of the handle. A controller is coupled to the reference sensor and the position sensor, and is adapted to control the drive system in response to signals received from the reference sensor and the position sensor.

Provided is a robot including a seating body provided with a seat and an armrest body and a steering, the steering housing has an opening in an upper portion thereof and an inner space therein is disposed on the armrest body. The steering includes a handle and a lower portion passing through the opening, the lower portion being accommodated in the inner space and an elevator accommodated in the inner space, the elevator being connected to the lower portion of the steering body to elevate the steering body.

The present disclosure includes a wheelchair configured to reposition an occupant between a lowered and a raised position. The wheelchair can include a frame, a seat moveable relative to the frame, a drive wheel, one or more pairs of arm assemblies, and one or more sensors. The arm assembly includes a wheel configured to move from a first spatial location when the wheelchair is operating on flat, level ground to a second spatial location that is different than the first spatial location. Arm limiters can selectively engage the arm assembly based on at least one of a seat position, position of the arm assembly, and surface conditions of ground surface. The arm limiters can limit the range of motion of the arm assembly and sometimes other operational aspects of the chair.

The material contained in this disclosure pertains to robotics related to convertible robots incorporating telecommunication elements. Embodiments of the system and apparatuses described can facilitate instant communication with family and friends, health status monitoring and support from caregivers; and promote optimal health, longevity, and independent living by providing high-tech economical solutions at each stage of the aging process. Embodiments of the system and apparatuses may be converted from an independent telecommunications robot, to a robotic walker, to a robotic wheelchair.