ROBOTIC ARM #1128
Television News Service/Medical Breakthroughs
)Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Inc. 1997
You probably don't think twice when you pick up
a book, grab a
can of soda or scratch an itch. But if you're
disabled, you know
how difficult those easy tasks can be. A new
invention gives
people a much-needed helping hand.
It can go anywhere a wheelchair can and takes
just two minutes
to set up.
It will take Andrew Vizuete much longer to
learn how to use the
workstation.
Joseph Osborne, inventor, Arlyn Tools, Carlisle, PA:
"If you have enough head motion, and you have enough control of your
head or hand or some
other part of your body, you can operate it."
With a little coaching from inventor Joseph Osborne, Andrew,
who has muscular dystrophy, gets some practice. He controls the
robotic arm's direction and pace by puffing or sipping into a tube.
Another tube opens and closes it. Grabbing the book is easy.
Using a suction tool to turn a page isn't.
Andrew Vizuete, senior, Widener School, Philadelphia, PA:
"If I had more time to practice, I would get it better."
So far, six disabled students have tested the workstation.
Pam Zeitlin, occupational therapist, Widener School, Philadelphia,
PA:
"This will allow kids to actually become hands-on learners and
participate. And kids learn more
by hands-on than by anything."
The workstation costs 29-thousand dollars.
Osborne hopes to
bring down the price by making it smaller and
more user-friendly.
Andrew Vizuete:
"It's good for other people like me, who can't
use their arms too
good."
The workstation is funded with the aid of state
and federal funds.
But more money is needed to continue
development. Osborne
hopes to sell the device to schools, rehabilitation centers and to
people pursuing college or
careers.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Arlyn Toolworks
155 Shughart Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-7729