Systems and methods for robotic mobile platforms are disclosed. In one exemplary implementation, a system for enabling autonomous navigation of a mobile platform is disclosed. The system may include a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon and at least one processor configured to execute the computer readable instructions. The execution of the computer readable instructions causes the system to: receive a first set of coordinates corresponding to a first location of a user; determine a different second location for the mobile platform; navigate the mobile platform between the second location and the first location; and receive a different second set of coordinates. Methods, apparatus and computer-readable mediums are also disclosed.

A self or assist-operated lift apparatus is disclosed. In various embodiments, the lift apparatus includes a vertical rail; a linear bearing positioned to be moved along the vertical rail; a drive mechanism coupled to the linear bearing and configured to move the linear bearing at a controlled rate along the vertical bearing between a first position at a lower end of a range of motion and a second position at an upper end of the range of motion; and a seat attached to the linear bearing, the seat being constructed at least in part of a substantially rigid material and having a size and shape suitable to accommodate a seated human occupant.

The present invention is directed toward a system and method for effectively managing, transporting, and taking care of patients in a hospital facility. Primarily this is done through the use of an automated bed with corresponding controls and devices installed within the facility. Precautionary fail safes are implemented such that any medical profession can override the system should an error be detected. Constant monitoring and control of all automated beds may occur from a centralized system. These systems and methods will allow for better allocation of hospital resources, providing much more efficient care to all patients.

A Chair having at least two axis (pivots) which connects three partsBack-rest, Seat and Leg-rest having a footboard connected to it at the feet side in which the Axle/Pivot of the tilting, when the chair is in seating position, is higher than the Seating support surface.

A single-seat electric-vehicle travel control apparatus controls traveling of a single-seat electric vehicle by using output of a user-input detection device which has an input scheme different from those of conventionally proposed input apparatuses and which is highly versatile. A first user-input information acquisition unit acquires first user-input information, which indicates a first user action detected by the first user-input detection device. A second user-input information acquisition unit acquires second user-input information, which indicates a second user action detected by the second user-input detection device without contact with the second part of the user's body. A multi-input controller determines a first user intention based on first user-input information acquired by a first user-input information acquisition unit. The multi-input controller determines a second user intention based on second user-input information indicative of a second user action. The multi-input controller generates a control signal for controlling traveling means based on the first user intention and the second user intention.

A stair chair for use in transporting a patient in a seated position along stairs comprising a base, an upright coupled to the base, and a track assembly extending from the base for traversing stairs. A seat section is operatively attached to the upright and arranged for movement relative to the base between a plurality of vertical configurations including a first vertical configuration where the seat section is spaced from the base at a first distance for supporting the patient in the seated position, and a second vertical configuration where the seat section is spaced from the base at a second distance greater than the first distance. A lift mechanism is interposed between the base and the seat section to move the seat section between the plurality of vertical configurations. The lift mechanism moves the seat section to facilitate transitioning the patient to a standing position from the seated position.

A cabinet or cart has at least one limited-access drawer or compartment and employs facial recognition (FR) to permit an authorized user to access the limited-access drawer or compartment. A visible light image of the user and a thermal image of the user are taken simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, with the thermal image serving to confirm the validity of the FR and authenticate the user's identity.

A power wheelchair [4] includes moveable components, motors, a drive controller [6] operatively connected to the motors, and a drive manager device [8] operatively connected to the drive controller [6]. The drive manager device [8] is configured to communicate with an input collection/display unit (IC/DU) 10 via a first communication interface, the IC/DU operable by a user in the power wheelchair. The drive manager device [8] is configured to communicate with a caregiver unit via a second communication interface, the caregiver unit operable by a caregiver. The drive manager device [8] is configured to determine a command made by the user or the caregiver by processing command data received in a communication with the IC/DU or the caregiver unit [12]. The drive manager device [8] is configured to cause voltage to be applied to the drive controller [6] to cause the drive controller [6] to interact with the motors to actuate at least one of the moveable components.

The invention relates to a device (80) and to a method for navigating and/or guiding the path of a vehicle (200), in particular of a wheelchair, and to a vehicle, in order to achieve increased safety and comfort during operation of the vehicle. The device (80) comprises at least one first sensor, in particular an inertial navigation unit (11), which is designed and arranged so as to detect at least one first body part, in particular an absolute position and/or position and/or rotation and/or translation, of a passenger of the vehicle (200) and to output first sensor signals (S1), and a second sensor, in particular an image-based sensor (21, 22), which is designed and arranged so as to detect at least the first body part of the passenger and/or its features and to output second sensor signals (S2). A control unit (100) receives the sensor signals (S1, S2), ascertains first control signals (ST1) based on the first sensor signals (S1), and it is ascertained, based on the second sensor signals (S2), whether the first control signals (ST1) comply with at least first reliability criteria. A safety mode is adopted when the first reliability criteria are not complied with.

A lifting system for lifting a subject (12) supported in a particular position is described. The lifting system has a platform (10) for supporting the subject (12) on an elongate platform surface (101). The platform surface (101) is selectively configurable in a flexible state allowing the elongate platform (10) to fold along a longitudinal line for positioning beneath the subject (12), and a rigid state to support the subject (12) in the desired position. The platform also has one or more attachment structures (16) and, the lifting system has a lifting device (26) for detachably engaging (18) the one or more attachment structures (16) to elevate and lower the platform (10) cantilevered from the lifting device (26).