Adaptable, easy controls for home helper robots
NRI: Adaptive Teleoperation Interfaces for In-Home Assistive Robots
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11178721
This project builds adaptable robot controls so people with limited movement can operate small home robots to help with everyday tasks.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11178721 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would get to use a small, safe mobile robot (Stretch) in your home that is controlled by new interfaces that adapt to how you can move and what you prefer. The team will develop the AccessTeleopKit software and algorithms to translate limited or alternative inputs into safe robot actions like reaching, fetching, and manipulating objects. They will try the system in lab and real home settings, refine the controls based on user feedback, and share the software openly so others can improve it. The goal is practical, safe teleoperation that keeps you in control while the robot helps with daily activities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with motor limitations who need help with activities of daily living and can provide input via limited hand/arm movement or alternative access methods and who can accommodate a robot in their home.
Not a fit: People without mobility limitations, those whose homes cannot safely fit a mobile robot, or those with severe cognitive impairments that prevent safe operation are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could let people with motor impairments do more daily tasks independently by using adaptive controls to operate household robots.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab-based teleoperation and assistive-robot studies have shown promise, but fully safe, adaptable in-home systems remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CAKMAK, MAYA — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: CAKMAK, MAYA
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.