User-Centred Industrial Design of a Collaborative Service Robot for Long Term Care Facilities

When designing a Collaborative Service Robot (CSR) for Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) its appearance and how its look and feel is perceived by its human counterparts play an essential role in its acceptability. This fact highlights the importance of gaining user feedback during the design process. In this project, we will adopt a user-centered industrial design approach to design and produce the first prototype of a CSR enclosure. We will focus on various industrial design aspects such as shape, size, color, production and assembly methods, and cost. Since COVID-19 has introduced significant challenges in gaining access to LTCFs, we will utilize Virtual Reality (VR) and computer simulation to gain caregivers’ feedback on the look and build of the CSR design before production of the first prototype. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a user-friendly CSR that assists seniors or adults with Developmental Disabilities (DD) and their caregivers in LTCFs. The premise of this project is to integrate user feedback into the design process of the CSR appearance in a safe and cost-effective manner.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hendrik F Machiel Van der Loos

Student:

Partner:

JDQ Systems Inc;Developmental Disabilities Association

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: