DIEM Thesis: A Ceiling Based Computer Controlled Motorized Standing Up Support Pole

Interoperability Work Package and Department of Automation and Systems Technology of Aalto University School of Science and Technology present a new DIEM related Master of Science thesis "A Ceiling Based Computer Controlled Motorized Standing Up Support Pole" by Teemu Kuusisto.

Because of the continuous aging of societies all over the world, the need for different kinds of assistive devices and safety and independent living is growing. Due to this growth in demand, scientists have started to use different technologies in the development work. The literature survey part of the study discusses the assistive device field in generally, the use of technology in assistive devices and it also presents few devices which utilize technology.

The empirical part of the study concerns a development work of a standing up support pole for people who have difficulties in getting up. The aim was to motorize a static support pole and get it moving on a track from place A to place B and also to implement points where to use the pole. The plan was to build a wired remote controller and some kind of grip construction to the pole.

The design goals were met and the tests went mainly well. Only minor problems that occurred were related to the controlling of the tensioning motor. When thinking of the continuation development of the support pole, the most important things concern security issues. Also further development of the handle’s construction and use of wireless technology should be considered. Before the pole is brought to people’s homes also the external appearance of the device has to be upgraded.

The language used in this thesis is Finnish.