Proposal of Classification Table for Transfer Assistance Based on Condition of Care-Receiver

In this paper, first, in order to improve operability of our active endoskeleton-type assist suit “Sustainable”, a hands-free activation device with a tilt sensor to supply compressed air to the artificial muscle attached to the assist suit was developed, and its operability was evaluated by CSTLX, which is a method to evaluate mental workload. Then, the evaluation results showed that the developed hands-free activation device has higher operability as compared with the conventional activation by the push switch. Second, for transfer work in nursing care, a classification table, in which caregivers can choose a suitable assistance method including a use of the assist suit based on the condition of the care-receiver, was proposed. Then, by focusing on the transfer assistance with using the assist suit, verification experiments were carried out to demonstrate a validity of the proposed classification table. The experimental results showed that the burden on the caregiver's lower back can be reduced by using the specified assist suit in the classification table. Thus, effectiveness of the proposed classification table was verified.