Asking Advise on Assembling Motorized Bedside Table for the Disabled People

Other Hardware Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
1

Hi.

My work as a personal carer involves looking after the needs of old and or people with disability.

Being a carer, I want to help them make their lives better and easier every day.

Some people that I look after have a very limited range of motion and its hard for them to reach for things when they need it (it could be a remote, a book, a cup to drink, etc...). Although they have someone looking after them, a carer like me, there are those who still want independence to preserve dignity.

I have a project in mind to build a motorized bedside table. Something like a platform that holds their book, iPad or whatever the need to put on a platform so that when they need it, the people who can still do it would just say "hey google (or alexa), bring in my table please." and if they dont need the table anymore, they can put it away without lifting a finger. Hopefully, this makes sense to you.

This brings me to my question, where do I start with the hardware or components part of this idea? I am thinking I am in need of stepper motors but putting them all together seems to be hard for me.

Any resources or projects similar to this idea would be great. I have looked into robotic arms but still cant figure out how I can make it like a table on the other end instead of a "hand" for the robot to do stuff.

Thank you for any advice on this matter.

2

I would start with a existing mobile bedside table and add a couple powered wheels.

Keeping it super simple, I would use a couple of “Alexa” compatible outlets to control a “homing beacon” IR source both under the bed and where the away position should be. Now the table just tries to move towards the IR source until a touch/distance/ other interference sensor tells it to stop.

Are you thinking of starting from scratch?

3

Yes, Slumpert, I am starting from scratch and would prefer google a ssistant implementation. But alexa is on my mind too.

That is an idea i have not thought about. Thanks for that!

4

Look for a "lazy Susan" table and perhaps one that is motor driven with programmable stopping points. At least that is the name most commonly used.

Paul