Principal Investigators: H.F. Machiel Van der Loos, PhD and Vandana Punj, MD Project Staff: James J. Wagner, MS; B. Jenny Kiratli, PhD; and Judy Fong, OTR Project Category: Spinal Cord Injury - 2000 Objective: Our first goal is extensive baseline testing of the ProVAR (Professional Vocational Assistant Robot) user interface. We will then replace the existing PUMA-260 manipulator arm with a less expensive and more current design, and evaluate the reliability and functionality of the new system with subjects who have high-level tetraplegia in replacing a human attendant in a vocational workstation setting. Finally, we will conduct long-term, real-life scenario testing with selected subjects to validate that ProVAR can completely replace an attendant for a 4-6 hour period of time during the working day. Our ultimate goal is to deliver an integrated product to support the activities of daily living (ADLs), communication and desktop manipulation needs in fulfilling the vocational life goals of a person with tetraplegia. Research Plan: In Phase 1, we will train and test subjects with high-level tetraplegia in the use of ProVAR’s interface, using an on-screen virtual robot on personal computers at two evaluation sites. We will collect data on robot performance and system usability. Results will allow us to fine-tune the interface. In Phase 2, we will evaluate the ability of the robot to replace an attendant in performing common vocational-support tasks. It will first be necessary to replace the out-of-production PUMA-260 robot arm that has been used on previous DeVAR and ProVAR systems with a new assistive robot manipulator called the Raptor. This will bring the total system parts cost to under $25,000. Phase 2 will also include the functionality and user satisfaction evaluation of the new system. We will compare task times and analyze metrics relating to safety, satisfaction, functionality and reliability between human attendant and robot assistant. In Phase 3, we will conduct testing with persons with high-level tetraplegia living in the community. Twenty subjects will be chosen for extensive evaluation of ProVAR-II in being able to support real life goals of persons with tetraplegia. We will evaluate robot performance and life satisfaction through automatic data logging and questionnaires. Work Accomplished: Prior to the start of the project in January, 2002, a preliminary study was conducted in the summer of 2001 in the context of the PVA-sponsored Summer Scholars Program. This study tested 6 subjects (3 with high-level tetraplegia, and three able-bodied) to assess the user interface and test the data instruments that were outlined in the ProVAR proposal. Results have been useful to fine-tune the reporting instruments and make adjustments to the user interface itself. Expected Outcome: The new configuration is expected to lead to technology transfer and commercialization of the ProVAR system, backed by user evaluations and iterative interface and controller development. Funding Source: VA/Rehab R&D Targeted Solicitation Funding Status: Approved |
