A Developmental Study of In-House Welfare Tools for Elderly People Based on Ergonomics

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We had two objectives on this project, firstly developing ergonomic tools for the elderly with cheap and easy usability, and secondly facilitating local industries through the activity the elderly tool development. We have developed, (1)In-house handrail, (2)a new type staircase, (3)wheelchair equipped two small batteries and motors, (4)an opener for pull-tab can, (5)a small elevator adjusting height level, and (6)an easy handling lift chair. We evaluated the effectiveness of these tools for the elderly based on Ergonomic measurement and found that these tools are very effective with low workload for the elderly.On the other hand, we have contacted both of Hiroshima City as well as Kure City Small-size Enterprise Asssociations to facilitate the welfare goods development. The former has been engaging the development of the wheelchair with small motors, but the latter gave up to continue to develop the welfare goods owing to a little investment and very difficult marketing capability. The small elevator adjusting height level (named Dansa-kaishouki) was developed and sold through a big company. Matsusita Electric Works, in Osaka. Our conclusion is that the small size enterprises face many problems for product development to be solved by assistance of many sectors including universities.