Jaco’s intended use Personal Robot Jaco is a technical aid for persons with limited or no hand function. The gripper of the robot performs all kinds of activities that the user no longer can perform manually. Jaco usually is mounted on the user’s wheelchair and can due to its personalised control methods very efficiently be operated. The number of activities that the user independently can perform through its use are almost endless. Most important are the activities that allow the user to live as independently and autonomous as possible – e.g eating and drinking, picking up objects, kitchen activities or self care.
Jaco’s users Jaco was designed for persons with very limited or even completely lacking hand function. Less advanced technical aids like dynamic arm supports are no option for these persons. Users commonly are persons challenged by neurological or neuromuscular disorders in an advanced stage. For safe and effective use a basic understanding of its functioning as well as visual capacities should be available.
Characteristics The operation of a personal robot by persons with almost no hand function puts high demands on its user interface and control system. Focal gathered considerable experience in developing this and implemented these developments together with partner Kinova in personal robot Jaco. Jaco can be used without needing to switch between numerous menu options. The user can really focus at the movements of the the gripper of the robot and its use is truly intuitive. Jaco is is light and can always be kept on the wheelchair and can therefore be used at very different places.
Backgrounds Jaco was developed by Kinova Rehab at Montreal, Canada. Focal Meditech did in close cooperation the adaptations for the European market. In addition, Focal is able to supply mounting systems and do actual wheelchair mounting and system integation.
Jaco’s advantages:
Easy to operate
Lighter and stronger than any other personal robot through the use of carbonfiber and advanced electronics
Unique gripper with three fingers and possibilities to use two or thee fingers for better grip
Possibilities to use prestored movements
Large individual configurability
Low weight (4,5 kg.) and therefore easy to put on/off the wheelchair
Limited weight which does not affect the wheelchair’s driving characteristics
Limited volume
Normally does not add to the outer dimensions of the wheelchair
Very low energy cosnumption. Under normal conditions the arm can be used all day long
Safe
Several options in operation and control; individual adaptations are always possible
