IEEE Robotics and Automation Society
Central New England Chapter
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Informal Discussion: 6:00 PM
Program: 6:30 PM
WHEELCHAIR FOR THE 21ST CENTURY:
INDEPENDENCE IBOT MOBILITY SYSTEM
Presented by
Stuart Coulter
Engineering Manager
DEKA Research and Development Corporation
340 Commercial St., Manchester, NH 03101
tel. (603) 669-5149
DEKA Research & Development Corporation focuses on the development of radically new technologies which cover a wide range of applications. It starts with a proof of concept and carries projects through to low volume manufacturing runs. Founded in 1982 by Dean Kamen, an inventor, entrepreneur and an advocate for science and technology, DEKA has grown from a relatively small group of individuals to a corporation employing almost 200 engineers, technicians, and machinists working in electronics and software engineering labs, machine shop, and on CAD stations.
One of DEKA’s most widely anticipated products is the INDEPENDENCE® iBOT® 4000 Mobility System. Developed for Independence Technology (http://www.indetech.com/) a division of Johnson & Johnson, the iBOT is a sophisticated mobility aid for the physically challenged designed to climb stairs and traverse uneven terrain. The iBOT uses self-balancing technology, allowing users to better operate in a world largely designed for those with healthy legs and a sense of balance.
The speaker, Mr. Stuart Coulter, DEKA's Engineering Manager, will present the history and technology of the iBOT. The talk will include a demonstration of an actual iBOT in action.
MEETING INFORMATION
The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society will meet at Wellesley High School, 50 Rice Street, Wellesley, MA 02481, on Tuesday, October 10, 2006, at 6:00 PM for informal discussions and for the formal presentation between 6:30 and 7:30 PM. The group will have a no-host dinner afterwards at Bertucci's, 380 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02481, where more conversations can take place with the guest speaker. The meetings are open to the general public, and all are welcome at the dinner afterwards.
For more information, contact the chapter chair, Peter Meyer, at 781-334-0052 or Chair@Robotics-Boston.org or visit http://www.robotics-boston.org/
DIRECTIONS
From Route 128, take either Route 9 or Route 16 west. From the junction of Routes 9 and 16, follow Route 16 (Washington Street) west past the Wellesley Hills commuter rail station (within walking distance of the school, then turn left onto Rice Street. Wellesley High School is on the left. Parking is available in a lot just beyond the school.
For a Yahoo web map showing the location of Wellesley High School, go to the following URL: http://tinyurl.com/exqwb
The GPS coordinates for Rice St. in front of the entrance to the high school building are approximately as follows: N 42° 18.137', W 71° 16.811'.
The GPS coordinates for the parking lot in front of the entrance to Bertucci's are approximately as follows: N 42° 18.492', W 71° 16.691'.
For more information about our Section and Chapter, visit our web site: http://www.robotics-boston.org/