[과학의 달인] 계단도 끄떡없는 '로봇 휠체어'…세계 최초 개발 / YTN 사이언스

■ Dr. Park Chan-hoon / AI and Robotics Research Center, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials [Anchor] If there's no elevator, wheelchair users often have to call a station attendant to use a lift. But what if the wheelchair wheels could climb and descend stairs without a lift? A domestic research team has developed a "robotic wheelchair" that not only allows users to navigate obstacles in daily life but also assists them in standing. Today on "Science Master," we'll delve into the details. Dr. Park Chan-hoon from the AI ​​and Robotics Research Center at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials has joined us. Hello. [Interview] Hello. [Anchor] We introduced you to a wheelchair that allows users to climb stairs, move freely on flat surfaces, and even stand up. Could you tell us more about this wheelchair? [Interview] The newly developed robotic wheelchair technology allows people with lower limb disabilities to climb stairs, stand up, move, and adapt to various postures while in the wheelchair. While existing wheelchair technology was primarily focused on providing a means of transportation, the robotic wheelchair technology we've developed is designed to help people with lower extremity disabilities overcome their disabilities and significantly improve their quality of life. [Anchor] Yes. Could you tell us what led you to develop the "robotic wheelchair"? [Interview] Robot wheelchairs were developed to address the various inconveniences faced by people with lower extremity disabilities in their daily lives. Most infrastructure that people with lower extremity disabilities find difficult to use is designed for non-disabled people. Things like the location of handles for opening and closing bookshelves and windows are designed for non-disabled users. Therefore, modules for standing are essential to access the height necessary for such infrastructure. And even if access is possible, it often requires navigating obstacles. For this reason, we developed a robotic wheelchair technology that includes a certain level of stair-climbing capability and basic functions for standing, all essential for people with lower limb disabilities. [Anchor] So, can you explain the specific functions of the robotic wheelchair? [Interview] The robotic wheelchair consists of two modules: the "stair-climbing module" and the "standing module." The "stair-climbing module" is located at the bottom, and the "standing module" is located at the top. The "stair-climbing module" allows users to ascend and descend stairs while in the wheelchair. Normally, the "stair-climbing module" is hidden underneath the wheelchair, but when it's time to climb the stairs, it descends and activates. This stair-climbing module is designed in a "crawler" shape, allowing users to climb stairs. Unlike typical crawlers that are straight, ours has a unique "L"-shaped structure. This allows the crawler to climb stairs while touching the ground vertically, resulting in exceptionally safe stair climbing. The "Standing Module" allows users to change positions while in a wheelchair, facilitating their ability to stand up. Sitting in a wheelchair for extended periods of time places pressure on specific areas, increasing the risk of bedsores. Therefore, regular blood circulation is essential, and the "Standing Module's" positioning device can provide this functionality. The "Standing Module" also provides the ability to stand and move around for those with lower limb disabilities. With the help of the "Standing Module," users can access objects in high places like shelves and bookshelves, and perform various tasks while standing and moving. If you only need to be able to climb stairs without the ability to stand, you can use the "stair-climbing module." If you only need support for standing without the ability to climb stairs, you can configure a wheelchair with only the "standing module." If both modules are included, both stair-climbing and standing support are possible. [Anchor] Just looking at the video, I can't help but think, "This is a wheelchair that people with disabilities really need." Electric wheelchairs already exist. How are they different? [Interview] Most electric wheelchairs are used for moving around on flat surfaces, but technology for wheelchairs that can climb stairs or support standing has been developed overseas. However, separate wheelchairs exist for stair-climbing and standing support. There hasn't been a wheelchair that can support both. This is because stair climbing requires a complex mechanism, and the mechanisms for standing are highly complex, bulky, and integrated with the wheelchair, making it difficult to integrate both functions into a single wheelchair. For this reason, in this technology development, the structures of the "stair climbing module" and "standing module" were greatly simplified and minimized in volume to integrate these two functions, while also enabling complete modularization. The "stair ...