The aim of this study was to identify the needs and expectations of persons with tetraplegia as well as of caregivers regarding an assistive robotic arm in performing everyday activities.
A mixed-method approach was pursued, where a focus group interview was followed by two online surveys, one aimed at persons with tetraplegia and the other at caregivers. The qualitative analysis of the focus group interview was performed using Focus Group Illustration Mapping. After the completion of the data collection, the online surveys were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively using a structured content analysis approach.
A total of seven participants joined the focus group interview. The focus group consisted of potential end users, caregivers, physiotherapists, and an engineer. The online surveys were completed by 49 persons with tetraplegia and nine caregivers. It can be summarized that the persons examined are open to the use of a robotic arm or to assistive technologies in general. A robotic arm should assist in unilateral activities related to reach and grasp, handling/ manipulation of objects and manipulation of the own body. Most needs exist for the robotic function of manipulation of objects and for functions where the robotic arm needs to get in contact with the persons’ body. Persons with tetraplegia mentioned in both, the focus group interview, and the survey, that they would like to control the robotic arm by voice or touchscreen.
Persons with tetraplegia would use assistive robotic arms for activities related to reaching, grasping, and handling of objects but also express some relevant concerns. Concerns revolve around acquisition costs, the weight and the space requirements of the robotic arm, and maintenance costs.
Our findings provide requirements for assistive robotic arms from a user perspective and will enable future technical implementations that are relevant to the tetraplegic population.
needs
tetraplegia
