We are developing a mobile robotic aid to help the elderly maintain their health, quality of life, and independence while safely aging at home. The system is part personal assistant, and part mobility aid.

The personal assistant portion leverages cloud computing, internet connectivity, speech, and sensor technology to provide telemedicine, telepresence and remote concierge services. We have the ability to monitor vital signs, medication use, and social engagement in real-time to provide a closed loop integrated care solution. The solution is mobile, and not anchored to a fixed point so it can be helpful even while visiting friends, shopping, or touring a museum.

The mobility aid portion is designed to assist the user in their daily activities (cooking, cleaning, shopping, getting to the bathroom, etc.). Unlike power wheelchairs and scooters, it is compact enough to maneuver through confined household spaces. Power wheelchairs and scooters are also passive devices that can lead to muscle atrophy and pressure wounds with long term use. Our system beneficially engages the user's core muscles during use, and avoids pressure wounds by dynamically shifting the user's body weight. We have optimized a system for Post Polio Syndrome where the user can avoid muscle damage from overexertion, but also has enough muscle engagement to avoid atrophy.

Will Pong, President at Pong Robotics