JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

Robotic mobility aids with sit-to-stand (STS) support may help older adults reduce physical effort during a demanding, fall-prone daily task

Objective:

Objective:

This paper reports a preliminary evaluation of the “SkyWalker” robotic walker, which provides powered STS assistance via actuated lower handles. The two SkyWalker trajectories (Linear and S-shape) were selected to examine how assistance profile shape (simple/monotonic versus more complex) influences feasibility, biome- chanics, and user experience

Methods:

Methods:

Six older adult patients with mobility challenges were recruited from a clinical setting and completed a within-subject protocol comprising three conditions: SkyWalker assistance with a Linear trajectory, SkyWalker assistance with an S-shape trajectory, and a conventional rollator. We quantified STS task performance, perceived exertion (Borg CR10), instrumented kinematics (center-of-gravity, CoG, height), kinet- ics (vertical ground-reaction force Fz normalized to body weight), and post-task tech- nology acceptance using the Tele-healthcare Satisfaction Questionnaire—Wearable Technology (TSQ-WT)

Results:

Results:

Across participants, robotic assistance tended to reduce perceived exertion relative to the rollator, with Linear generally appearing more robust and repeatable than S-shape. Biomechanical measures provided mechanistic context: Linear assis- tance was associated with earlier, more monotonic CoG elevation and more consistent load transfer across repetitions, whereas the S-shape trajectory showed greater be- tween participant variability in load-transfer timing and force profiles for some users, consistent with higher coordination demands. Acceptance was generally favorable but heterogeneous across individuals.

Conclusions:

Conclusions:

Overall, SkyWalker STS assistance was feasible and reduced perceived physical effort for most participants; the findings highlight trajectory design as a key determinant of user response and motivate trajectory personalization and brief familiarization, particularly for users who experience coordination challenges with more complex assistance profiles.