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MAGIC-HAND: A bottle and jar opening machine for people with severe disabilities

Lorentzon, Ulf LU ; Bolmsjö, Gunnar LU ; Doyle, Mike and Carus, David (2007) In Gerontechnology 6(2). p.79-88
Abstract
This paper describes the development of a prototype product named MAGIC-HAND that has been developed to open bottles, jars and packages that require a twisting action. Its intended users are people with severe disabilities, who are not capable of using the current range of package opening tools. MAGIC-HAND is a kitchen accessory device that fits into standard kitchen furniture. The machine uses novel design approaches applying human-centred virtual prototyping methodology. It is highly automated so users need only place the package in the machine, close the door and activate the machine with a single touch of a button. The machine automatically centres the package, grips its base, senses the height of the closure, grips it and twists it... (More)
This paper describes the development of a prototype product named MAGIC-HAND that has been developed to open bottles, jars and packages that require a twisting action. Its intended users are people with severe disabilities, who are not capable of using the current range of package opening tools. MAGIC-HAND is a kitchen accessory device that fits into standard kitchen furniture. The machine uses novel design approaches applying human-centred virtual prototyping methodology. It is highly automated so users need only place the package in the machine, close the door and activate the machine with a single touch of a button. The machine automatically centres the package, grips its base, senses the height of the closure, grips it and twists it open. Safety features are provided to ensure fingers cannot get trapped accidentally. User trials have highlighted both the advantages and disadvantages of the machine. A comparison with current jar and bottle opening machines is provided. Routes to commercialisation are discussed. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
assistive technology, bottle opener, smart homes, jar opener
in
Gerontechnology
volume
6
issue
2
pages
79 - 88
publisher
International Society for Gerontechnology
ISSN
1569-1101
DOI
10.4017/gt.2007.06.02.003.00
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
6f577f9b-1350-4027-af09-1a4e08e160b3 (old id 622617)
date added to LUP
2016-04-01 12:01:34
date last changed
2018-11-21 20:02:58
@article{6f577f9b-1350-4027-af09-1a4e08e160b3,
  abstract     = {{This paper describes the development of a prototype product named MAGIC-HAND that has been developed to open bottles, jars and packages that require a twisting action. Its intended users are people with severe disabilities, who are not capable of using the current range of package opening tools. MAGIC-HAND is a kitchen accessory device that fits into standard kitchen furniture. The machine uses novel design approaches applying human-centred virtual prototyping methodology. It is highly automated so users need only place the package in the machine, close the door and activate the machine with a single touch of a button. The machine automatically centres the package, grips its base, senses the height of the closure, grips it and twists it open. Safety features are provided to ensure fingers cannot get trapped accidentally. User trials have highlighted both the advantages and disadvantages of the machine. A comparison with current jar and bottle opening machines is provided. Routes to commercialisation are discussed.}},
  author       = {{Lorentzon, Ulf and Bolmsjö, Gunnar and Doyle, Mike and Carus, David}},
  issn         = {{1569-1101}},
  keywords     = {{assistive technology; bottle opener; smart homes; jar opener}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{2}},
  pages        = {{79--88}},
  publisher    = {{International Society for Gerontechnology}},
  series       = {{Gerontechnology}},
  title        = {{MAGIC-HAND: A bottle and jar opening machine for people with severe disabilities}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.4017/gt.2007.06.02.003.00}},
  doi          = {{10.4017/gt.2007.06.02.003.00}},
  volume       = {{6}},
  year         = {{2007}},
}