This paper presents assistive mobile robots that help the disabled to work in a factory environment. The target users as well as the functions of the robot were determined based on varied survey results. After the specific mission was derived, the robots were developed through a repetitive process of designing, development and evaluation. As a result, three mobile robots were developed. The first version of the mobile robot focused on the various functions of the robot. The robot arm and a forklift part of the robot support various tasks for the disabled.
The second version is focused on the mobility. A
Mecanum wheel-based omni-directional driving
mechanism is adopted to improve the mobility
of the robot in small spaces. Furthermore, a
foldable forklift is used to reduce the size of the
robot. The omni-directional driving mechanism
was also utilized on the third version. A unique
structure for the body frame of the robot is
introduced to reduce the vibration caused by
the Mecanum wheel rollers. To improve user
convenience while using the lift, the third version
is equipped with a multiple pillar-based foldable
forklift. These robots are expected to provide
assistance to disabled workers in a factory
environment.