Assistive Robots for ALS

STUDY BASICS

Are you age 18 or older and diagnosed with ALS? You may be eligible for a research study to test a new robot with an arm and a mobile base from your home, in our lab, or anywhere! The purpose of this study is to evaluate how well individuals with ALS can operate a mobile assistive robot (called Stretch) using a web-based interface to perform several functional tasks. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

This research is important because it evaluates a mobile assistive robot (called Stretch), a smaller and more affordable mobile manipulator that can assist people with ALS in daily tasks like retrieving objects and other daily chores. By testing Stretch’s new autonomous features and control interfaces, this study hopes to understand better how easy and helpful this robot can be for people with ALS.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Age 18 or older, diagnosed with ALS
• Difficulty using arms/hands for daily tasks
• Can communicate in English (speaking or AAC)
• Can use a computer or tablet (with or without assistive technology)
• For remote: have internet and a device to access the robot

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

• Complete a demographics and upper limb function questionnaire
• Join a session with our research team (no more than 2.5 hours) either onsite at our lab or remotely from a location of your choice
  • Learn how to control the robot using a web-based interface
  • Use the robot to complete simple, everyday tasks
  • Have your interactions with the robot observed and recorded to help us understand how it supports users
  • Share your feedback in a brief final interview