A diagnosis methodology for assistive technology development

In this paper a methodology for the definition of projects in the area of assistive robotics that respond to the real needs of public hospitals in México, is presented. The importance of this methodology relies on the fact that the projects are defined according to it respond to real needs so they are acceptable. This methodology considers seven steps: pre-diagnosis, diagnosis, technical feasibility assessment, economic feasibility assessment, operational feasibility assessment, feasibility matrix analysis and viability matrix analysis. The methodology assists in assessing the feasibility of the development of an assistive device by analyzing its impact in a hospital environment. For these reasons this methodology is very convenient to institutions or private companies interested in developing assistive devices. The lack of a methodology like the one presented, usually leads to failure in the technical implementation, as well as in the commercial aspects since the project can be a waste of resources rather than an investment.