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Chapter 6
The i-Walker: An Intelligent Pedestrian Mobility Aid
C. Barrue 1 , R. Annicchiarico 2 ,U.Cortes 1 ,A.Martınez-Velasco 1 ,
E.X. Martın 1 , F. Campana 3 , and C. Caltagirone 2 , 4
1 Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Spain
{ cbarrue,ia } @lsi.upc.edu
2 Fondazione Santa Lucia, Italy
r.annicchiarico@hsantalucia.it
3 Centri Assistenza Domiciliare, Italy
fcampana@tiscali.it
4 Universita Tor Vergata, Italy
Abstract. In this chapter we focus on the development of an intelligent
pedestrian mobility aid for the elders that we call i-Walker . The target popula-
tion includes, but is not limited to, persons with low vision, visual field neglect,
spasticity, tremors, and cognitive deficits. The SHARE-it architecture will provide
an Agent-based Intelligent Decision Support System to aid the elders.
1
Introduction
Already in 1993, Stephanidis et al [25] identified two key factors which have had a
profound impact on society and have influenced demographic changes: the rapid tech-
nological advances and the dramatic improvements in medical treatment and care. Both
have led to a reduction of the mortality rate of disease or accident stricken patients,
and have contributed to a general increase of life expectancy of the population at large.
These effects have, in turn, precipitated a significant increase of the proportion of the
population that is characterised by some handicap with respect to the surrounding envi-
ronment, either as a consequence of some impairment resulting from disability, or as a
consequence of some impairment resulting from old age.
It is clear that one of the most important and critical factors in quality of life (QoL)
for the elderly is their ability to move about independently and safely. Mobility issues,
both inside and outside the home, included challenges to personal mobility in terms of
walking in the neighbourhood and use of public transport. Mobility impairments due
to age, injury or disease cause a downward trend in their QoL. Lack of independence
and exercise can have dramatic results. One of the SHARE-it , an EU-funded research
project, main objectives is concerned with developing intelligent mobility tools for the
elders. Among those tools we have developed an Intelligent Walker, that we called i-
Wa l k e r , to assist the elderly and increase the ease and safety of their daily mobility. The
benefits to the user include assistance avoiding dangerous situations (obstacles, drops,
etc. ) and help with navigation through cluttered but well-known environments. Many
older adults use walkers to improve their stability and safety while walking. It is hoped
 
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