Robotic manipulator with PC display human interface

Abstract

A robotic manipulator for eating assistance is proposed. The manipulator system can move a spoon in the three orthogonal directions. The manipulator system can also rotate and withdraw the spoon in order to dip into food easily. An easy human interface using a head space pointer and a personal computer display has been designed. A user can operate the robotic manipulator by his/her head movement and puff. A user can operate the robotic manipulator by selecting many commands listed on the display.