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#1
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Re: Student Project for an Autonomous Bed Mover
Absolutely put sensors to ensure that there is not a patient in the bed! It would be far too easy for someone to fall out or wake up and decide to get off while moving. With something that important, I suggest at least two independent checks; temperature and weight would do nicely.
You may want to look at RFIDs to help the robot identify the bed. Consider the traffic pattern of the hospital. Observe how traffic flows, and especially how it works around obstructions and when paths would cross. How fast do beds move today? Interview an orderly or two, and ask about what can go wrong pushing an empty bed, and how they deal with it. Emulate those behaviors as much as possible. There should also be a way to verbally stop the robot - something simple like calling out "STOP". |
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#2
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Re: Student Project for an Autonomous Bed Mover
Safety First!
Put bumpers on the robot/bed so it doesn't run over patient's in the hallway. Use indirect and contact sensors to stop the bed. (check out industrial robots) http://motioncontrolsrobotics.com/ro...ded-carts-agc/ https://www.bastiansolutions.com/sol...-robotics/lynx http://www.mmh.com/article/agvs_carts_and_robots http://www.aethon.com/industrialtug/ Is the robot going to tow or push the bed? (beds would need their own wheels) If riding an elevator is needed; can the robot fit under the bed to save space? Dave |
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#3
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Re: Student Project for an Autonomous Bed Mover
Quote:
It may be better to check for a change in weight or temperature. Picking up an empty bed seems to be one of the requirements. Once you have the basics working, you may need to consider how to accommodate equipment such as IV's or monitoring equipment that needs to stay with the patient as their bed is being moved. |
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#4
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Re: Student Project for an Autonomous Bed Mover
Take a look at University of Michigan's hospital system in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They have, or had, robotic delivery systems for food service, supply deliveries, and more. Last time I saw them was back around 1992 or so, but it basically did what you are looking for. If I recall they had a line following system that ran in a "robot carpool lane" of sorts. It was all pretty cool stuff when I was 9 years old.
I remember thinking they moved slow, but carried more than a person could. |
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