Embracer - Disability Interaction (UCL)
Embracer is a cutting-edge robotic smart arm system designed to assist individuals suffering from Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in regaining independence in their daily lives. The project was driven by the need to create a modular, adaptable assistive device that could cater to the unique and evolving requirements of MND patients. Embracer was developed with a user-centered design approach, working closely with Alan, a former mechanical engineer diagnosed with MND, to ensure the product met his specific needs.
Project Goals
The goal of the Embracer project was to design a modular, adaptable assistive device that could help individuals with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) regain a greater sense of independence in their daily lives. Specifically, the project aimed to address the unique and evolving needs of MND patients who struggle with everyday tasks due to the progressive loss of muscle control. By creating a robotic smart arm system that could assist with routine activities—such as eating, drinking, and personal care—Embracer sought to improve the quality of life for MND patients by reducing their reliance on caregivers and enhancing their ability to perform tasks autonomously. The ultimate objective was to restore a sense of agency and dignity to users facing the challenges of MND.
User Needs and Pain Points
To develop a product that effectively addresses Alan’s specific needs, our design process began with a comprehensive understanding of his challenges. This was achieved through a series of semi-structured interviews, which allowed us to gain insights into the physical and emotional difficulties he experiences daily. Over the course of several conversations, we learned that Alan, a former mechanical engineer, has been living with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) for six years. The disease has progressively weakened his muscles, significantly affecting his quality of life.
Initially, Alan’s dominant right arm lost much of its strength, rendering it nearly unusable for everyday tasks. Unfortunately, his left arm, which had been compensating for the loss of function in his right, is also becoming progressively weaker. Although he retains some ability to grasp objects with his left hand, the muscles in his arm have deteriorated to the point where he struggles to raise it. As the disease continues to advance, Alan’s lower body strength has also diminished, and he now primarily relies on a wheelchair for mobility.
Beyond these physical challenges, Alan faces significant emotional difficulties. During our interviews, he expressed deep frustration and sadness over his increasing dependence on his partner for basic tasks that most people take for granted. Simple activities, such as brushing his teeth or taking a shower, have become insurmountable without assistance. This reliance on others has not only impacted his sense of independence but has also affected his self-esteem and mental well-being. Alan shared that he misses the autonomy he once had and longs for the ability to engage in activities that used to bring him joy, such as hiking with his family or sharing a drink with friends. These activities, once a source of happiness and connection, are now memories of a life that feels increasingly out of reach.
In addition to our primary research with Alan, we conducted secondary research by reviewing academic papers and articles related to assistive technologies and user-centered design approaches for individuals with MND and other diseases with similar pathologies. This research highlighted the broader impact of MND on patients' lives, beyond the physical limitations. For example, many individuals with MND experience a profound loss of control over their lives due to the progressive nature of the disease. This loss of control can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration, as they are forced to rely on others for tasks they once performed independently. Furthermore, the disease often contributes to a loss of identity, as patients are no longer able to engage in the activities that once defined their roles in their families, communities, and professions.
The insights gathered from both primary and secondary research informed the development of a detailed user journey, which maps out Alan’s mental and physical challenges throughout the progression of his disease. This user journey not only helped us better understand the trajectory of MND but also guided our design decisions to ensure that the product we developed would be adaptable and responsive to Alan’s changing needs over time.
In summary, the design of the Embracer smart arm system was driven by a deep understanding of Alan’s physical limitations, emotional struggles, and the overall impact of MND on his daily life. By addressing both the practical and psychological aspects of his condition, we aimed to create a solution that would not only assist him in performing everyday tasks but also restore a sense of independence, dignity, and connection to the activities and relationships that matter most to him.
Design Process
Defining problem space
After synthesizing an overarching view of Alan’s pain points alongside our secondary research findings, we utilized an affinity diagram to help clearly define the problem space we aimed to address in our design. Our primary objective was to help Alan regain a greater sense of independence in his daily life by addressing both his physical and emotional needs.
One of the most significant challenges faced by individuals with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is the progressive loss of the ability to perform everyday tasks. When evaluating existing assistive technologies, we identified a gap: many of these products lack the adaptability and personalization necessary to cater to the unique needs of each user. This inadequacy in current solutions highlights a critical Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principle—designing for inclusivity and accessibility. A one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient when addressing the diverse and evolving needs of users with disabilities.
Recognizing this, we were prompted to explore the development of a modular and flexible solution. By focusing on a customizable design, we aimed to create a system that could adapt to the specific and changing requirements of MND users over time. This approach aligns with key HCI principles, such as user-centered design, adaptability, and the importance of providing users with a sense of agency and control, particularly in the context of disability interaction.
Ideation - 10x10 Sketches
To ensure that our design closely aligned with Alan's needs, we actively involved him throughout the entire design process. Recognizing the importance of user-centered design, we maintained a focus on the problem space while generating initial ideas. Our brainstorming sessions utilized 10x10 sketches, allowing us to explore a wide range of concepts quickly. Once we had developed these ideas, we consolidated them and shared our proposals with Alan. Together, we collectively evaluated each idea, assessing both its feasibility and practical impact. This collaborative approach ensured that the final design was not only innovative but also grounded in Alan’s lived experience and specific requirements.
Looking ahead, further research and development are necessary to refine the technological, mechanical, and algorithmic aspects of Embracer. This would enable us to build a functional prototype that could undergo rigorous user testing. We believe that with continued development, Embracer could offer invaluable functional and emotional benefits to users, not only aiding them in everyday tasks but also helping them regain a sense of agency and confidence in their lives. The flexibility of the design, including the adjustable arm rest and adaptable mount for different wheelchair models, further underscores its potential to cater to a wide range of users with varying needs.
We collectively determined that the most practical and effective solution would be a robotic arm with a grabber function, as Alan struggles with performing routine tasks and has difficulty grasping objects. Drawing inspiration from Alan's Neater Eater eating apparatus, we designed the robotic arm to be mountable on his wheelchair, ensuring it would be both functional and easily integrated into his daily life.
Our goal was to simplify basic arm motions and tasks for Alan, such as holding a cup, brushing his teeth, and eating. To ensure our design was well-informed, we conducted research on comparable assistive products and technologies. Throughout several design iterations, we continuously incorporated Alan's ideas and feedback, refining the design to better meet his specific needs and preferences.
Our solution ‒ Embracer
Embracer is a powered robotic smart arm system specifically designed to assist Alan in performing everyday activities without requiring any physical arm strength. The system is composed of three key components: (1) a powered arm rest, which supports and stabilizes the arm; (2) a powered grasper, which securely holds and manipulates objects; and (3) a position sensor, which detects and adjusts the arm's movements based on the spatial positioning of Alan's body, ensuring precise and effective operation.
Grasper Function:
The grasper securely grabs the objects Alan needs for various tasks.
The powered arm support holds and moves Alan’s arm accordingly.
Position Sensor:
An embedded position sensor detects the spatial location of Alan's body parts, such as his mouth.
The sensor sends real-time, three-dimensional spatial data to the system.
This data informs the smart arm of the range of movements and the ideal position for task execution.
Learning Algorithm:
The system includes a learning algorithm that observes Alan’s arm movements and patterns.
It interprets Alan's intentions, optimizing performance for a personalized experience.
Modular Design:
The grasper component is detachable, allowing different sizes and types of grasper heads to be attached.
The arm rest height is adjustable to suit different users.
The Embracer mount is designed to be attachable to various wheelchair models, ensuring broad compatibility and flexibility.
User Feedback: Limitations and Next Steps
Upon completing our final design, we presented it to Alan and gathered his feedback. Alan expressed satisfaction with the design, noting that it would significantly enhance his convenience and independence in daily life. He believed that Embracer had the potential to make a meaningful impact on his ability to perform everyday tasks without relying on others.
However, there are limitations to our current design. Due to constraints in resources and time, we were unable to develop a functional physical prototype of Embracer for user testing. This limitation prevented us from thoroughly evaluating the design's performance in real-world conditions and identifying areas that might require refinement to ensure a seamless user experience.
Another potential challenge is the cost associated with developing the Embracer system. Given the complexity of the mechanical components and the advanced computing algorithms involved, the production costs are likely to be high. Consequently, the final product may not be a cost-effective solution for individual users like Alan. However, this financial barrier could be mitigated if organizations such as the NHS or similar institutions support the development and distribution of Embracer. In this scenario, each device could be loaned, refurbished, and reused by multiple users, making the technology more accessible.