The iBOT 3000 is a wheelchair with monumental capabilities. See what it can do at www.ibotnow.com.
Need: A sensor that detects the height of a curb when the iBOT mobility device is within six inches to one foot of a curb.
Rationale: After four years of development and four years of FDA testing, a new mobility device, the iBOT, has recently been released for marketing. This new mobility device can be safely driven through sand and gravel; goes over curbs; ‘stands’ up; and climbs stairs. The iBOT can climb curbs that are no higher than 4 inches. However, when seated in the iBOT determining if the curb is appropriate for the iBOT to climb is difficult. Judging the height of curbs is especially important if the iBOT driver has limited trunk control and is unable to lean down to look to see if the front wheels are interfering with the height of the curb.
Design: A system that allows the driver to accurately judge whether or not the iBOT can climb the curb or step. The system should be lightweight, compact and non-obtrusive. The iBOT itself weighs approximately 250 pounds and is calibrated to the driver’s weight. The sensor(s) can not interfere with the different functions of the iBOT but can communicate to the driver if the curb is appropriate. The cost of the system should be reasonable, less than $500.