Mobility Assistance Dog Buttons
ACI Labs / Open University
2020
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We were approached by Open University’s Animal Computer Interaction Labs to help develop a range of mechanical push buttons to be used by mobility assistance dogs in public spaces and also home environments.
The project involved working closely with the ACI team to develop the technology and CAD for the buttons. The final devices were split into two versions - a battery-powered wireless smart button for use in the home, and a wired version for use in public spaces. We created 3 iterations of the devices with feedback from animal user testing, adapting the buttons’ feel and functionality to be better-suited for the assistance dogs. We fabricated and deployed 30 devices, including the PCB assembly, 3D printing and mechanical assembly. The devices are currently being used in a selection of homes and public spaces across the UK.
The buttons included a custom PCB with wireless capabilities. The circuit board also featured power saving circuitry that allowed the device to only consume power when the button is pressed, extending the battery life. Each wireless device is paired to an off-the-shelf WiFi-controlled wall plug, which was updated with custom firmware to allow the button to connect directly with the plug. This simplified the setup for the end users, allowing them to pair a device with a plug effortlessly.
Yesterday - Instant use! Also, another participant reported that her 18 month old nephew loves using the controls and searching for the change in the environment (overhead light). Could this be an example of transnational cross species design from canines to humans? pic.twitter.com/H89wJfgh2q
— Luisa Ruge (@AnimalCentered) November 29, 2019
Credits
- Open University, ACI Labs - Academic institution
- Luisa Ruge - Interaction design, user testing, user photos
Technology
- WiFi ad-hoc networking
- Battery power management
- CAD Design for 3D printing
- Mechanical engineering for optimum pressing force
- Designed for easy assembly