Evaluation of a Vision-Guided Shared-Control Robotic Arm System with Power Wheelchair Users

Wheelchair-mounted assistive robotic manipulators can provide reach and grasp functions for power wheelchair users. This in-lab study evaluated a vision-guided shared control (VGS) system with twelve users completing two multi-step kitchen tasks: a drinking task and a popcorn making task. Using a mi...

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Main Authors: Breelyn Kane Styler, Wei Deng, Cheng-Shiu Chung, Dan Ding
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-08-01
Series:Sensors
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/15/4768
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author Breelyn Kane Styler
Wei Deng
Cheng-Shiu Chung
Dan Ding
author_facet Breelyn Kane Styler
Wei Deng
Cheng-Shiu Chung
Dan Ding
author_sort Breelyn Kane Styler
collection DOAJ
description Wheelchair-mounted assistive robotic manipulators can provide reach and grasp functions for power wheelchair users. This in-lab study evaluated a vision-guided shared control (VGS) system with twelve users completing two multi-step kitchen tasks: a drinking task and a popcorn making task. Using a mixed methods approach participants compared VGS and manual joystick control, providing performance metrics, qualitative insights, and lessons learned. Data collection included demographic questionnaires, the System Usability Scale (SUS), NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and exit interviews. No significant SUS differences were found between control modes, but NASA-TLX scores revealed VGS control significantly reduced workload during the drinking task and the popcorn task. VGS control reduced operation time and improved task success but was not universally preferred. Six participants preferred VGS, five preferred manual, and one had no preference. In addition, participants expressed interest in robotic arms for daily tasks and described two main operation challenges: distinguishing wrist orientation from rotation modes and managing depth perception. They also shared perspectives on how a personal robotic arm could complement caregiver support in their home.
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spelling doaj-art-7b8b2bef0fc74046b6873213ca88a3902025-08-20T03:36:34ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202025-08-012515476810.3390/s25154768Evaluation of a Vision-Guided Shared-Control Robotic Arm System with Power Wheelchair UsersBreelyn Kane Styler0Wei Deng1Cheng-Shiu Chung2Dan Ding3Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USAHuman Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USAHuman Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USAHuman Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USAWheelchair-mounted assistive robotic manipulators can provide reach and grasp functions for power wheelchair users. This in-lab study evaluated a vision-guided shared control (VGS) system with twelve users completing two multi-step kitchen tasks: a drinking task and a popcorn making task. Using a mixed methods approach participants compared VGS and manual joystick control, providing performance metrics, qualitative insights, and lessons learned. Data collection included demographic questionnaires, the System Usability Scale (SUS), NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and exit interviews. No significant SUS differences were found between control modes, but NASA-TLX scores revealed VGS control significantly reduced workload during the drinking task and the popcorn task. VGS control reduced operation time and improved task success but was not universally preferred. Six participants preferred VGS, five preferred manual, and one had no preference. In addition, participants expressed interest in robotic arms for daily tasks and described two main operation challenges: distinguishing wrist orientation from rotation modes and managing depth perception. They also shared perspectives on how a personal robotic arm could complement caregiver support in their home.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/15/4768assistive technologyrobotic armmixed methodsusability
spellingShingle Breelyn Kane Styler
Wei Deng
Cheng-Shiu Chung
Dan Ding
Evaluation of a Vision-Guided Shared-Control Robotic Arm System with Power Wheelchair Users
Sensors
assistive technology
robotic arm
mixed methods
usability
title Evaluation of a Vision-Guided Shared-Control Robotic Arm System with Power Wheelchair Users
title_full Evaluation of a Vision-Guided Shared-Control Robotic Arm System with Power Wheelchair Users
title_fullStr Evaluation of a Vision-Guided Shared-Control Robotic Arm System with Power Wheelchair Users
title_full_unstemmed Evaluation of a Vision-Guided Shared-Control Robotic Arm System with Power Wheelchair Users
title_short Evaluation of a Vision-Guided Shared-Control Robotic Arm System with Power Wheelchair Users
title_sort evaluation of a vision guided shared control robotic arm system with power wheelchair users
topic assistive technology
robotic arm
mixed methods
usability
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/15/4768
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AT chengshiuchung evaluationofavisionguidedsharedcontrolroboticarmsystemwithpowerwheelchairusers
AT danding evaluationofavisionguidedsharedcontrolroboticarmsystemwithpowerwheelchairusers