The Smart Rollator is an interdisciplinary research project that integrates sensor technologies onto a rollator enabling:
1. improved health care through monitoring of adherence and progression during rehabilitation, as well as potential early identification of health care issues; and
2. quantitative assessment of rollator usage to improve the design and prescription of rollators
Figure 1 Schematic of Smart Rollator monitoring system
The Smart Rollator includes multiple minimally-obtrusive sensors that enable monitoring of (Figure 1):
1. speed/distance
2. seat usage
3. applied force
4. accelerations (including tilt from gravitational acceleration)
5. heart rate (via electrocardiogram and photoplethysmogram)
Figure 2 System overview
Figure 2 illustrates the overall Smart Rollator system. A microprocessor system collects data onto local memory, which are transferred periodically to a remote server via a local terminal (may be located by a user's bed, enabling data transfers each night). Data are transferred from the Smart Rollator wirelessly, using Bluetooth; self discovery Bluetooth features are enabled so that no user intervention is required. Remote terminals enable a variety of people (e.g., physiotherapists, family) to examine data and generate reports. Automatic alarms regarding potential health problems can be issued appropriately. For example, changes in rollator loading forces may be indicative of a neuromuscular disorder or injury. A health care professional can be notified of potential irregularities so that they may examine the data, monitor any long-term trends, and follow up during the user's subsequent visits. Serious trauma (e.g., falls) would require more immediate attention (e.g., 911).
Figure 3 Electronics in Smart Rollator Prototype 1.0
Figure 3 is a picture of the Smart Rollator Prototype 1.0, which has been integrated on a Dana Douglas neXus III rollator. The sensors and electronics are easily retrofitted to the rollator. From the user's perspective, modifications to the rollator will remain relatively unnoticed (usage of the rollator is unchanged, including neXus III's ability to fold).