Improvements to Robotic Stairclimbing Assistant (ROSA)

Tasks involving lifting, pushing, and carrying (e.g., lifting laundry, cleaning the floor) are often challenging, especially for seniors and people with limited mobility. On stairs, performing these tasks becomes dangerous, potentially leading to serious injury (falls, back strain, etc.).

Quantum Robotic Systems Inc. (QRS) addresses this problem by making unique mobile service robots. In particular, QRS has developed and patented a novel stair-climbing technology that the company has incorporated into its Robotic Stairclimbing Assistant (“ROSA”).

Prior to this project, QRS developed a series of ROSA prototypes, together with a preliminary version of a Mobile Control App, allowing a user to specify rudimentary paths for the robot. However, ROSA’s capabilities have not yet reached the point of market viability.

The primary goal for this innovation project is to improve ROSA’s commercial readiness by addressing technological shortcomings These readiness gaps fall into the following categories, each with its own have specific objectives:

1. Electro-Mechanical: Improve climbing reliability, payload capacity, climbing speed, and robustness for outdoor use;
2. Robot Control: Improve control during climbing, introduce new capabilities, and make the robot compliant with the Robot Operating System (ROS) standard;

Faculty Supervisor:

Ryan Billinger;Jigisha Patel

Student:

Partner:

Quantum Robotic Systems Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology

Program: