Intelligent Power Assist Systems: Mechatronic Systems Auto-Adaptive to Varying Human Characteristics and Environmental Conditions

Modern technologies, in particular automation and mechatronics technologies, were originally intended to achieve higher productivity and better product quality. They are now steadily penetrating our daily lives either indirectly or directly. We are surrounded by mechatronic products and interact with them in many ways. It has become critically important to consider the human factors in the design and development of mechatronic products from various aspects, and the proposed research will provide a scientific basis in this regard. This presentation is concerned with an investigation to develop the understanding of power assist systems which add assistive power or force to the power or force input supplied by a human. Such systems involve bilateral coupling between the human, the actuator (power assisting device) and the environment. Examples that may take advantage of such advances are the electric power-assisted steering (EPS) system for automobiles and the electric bicycle.