Kitchenbot

The KitchenBot is an overhead track mounted manipulator designed to aid individuals with physical impairments to complete common kitchen tasks such as meal preparation or cleanup. It is aimed at reducing caregiver needs in the kitchen so individuals may perform activities of daily living independently, improve self-confidence, and increase their quality of life. A panel of industry experts, including engineers, clinicians, and users, populated a list of design criteria derived from user needs for the proposed KitchenBot idea. Currently, the prototype uses a custom locking track that provides a relocatable and stable support for a dexterous or strong arm to provide assistance. The KitchenBot has potential to become a residential appliance for those who require the next level of assistance beyond a caregiver. The initial design is transferable for use in residential homes with standard building materials. Additionally, the low-profile track requires little space above cabinets for installation that is consistent among typical residential kitchens. In comparison to past and present initiatives, the KitchenBot aims to alleviate the need for valuable floor space, provide universal accessibility to all individuals with disabilities, provide a simple control method for task execution, and present opportunities for needed capabilities, such as heavy payload tasks, that other designs are unable to meet.

Kitchenbot