JARL

JARL - open-source assistive technology working model by the Berkeley community

About this project

Need-Knower Jade created the first prototype of JARL before the makeathon, together with Owen, the Need-Knower for HouseAUTO, and built off of that knowledge at TOM:Berkeley with the new JARL team. Unlike past prototypes which were non-functional skeletons, this JARL model is equipped with two degrees of freedom and a laser pointer at the end to make operation easier and more accurate. The JARL team’s minimum viable product is a robotic limb that can press elevator buttons, achieved through the two degrees of freedom.

The challenge

For people with limited to no arm and leg function, a robotic arm attached to a wheelchair can function as a backup working limb. Unfortunately, solutions that are currently on the market can cost $50,000, making them unrealistic for many people to purchase. Desktop arms exist and are often cheaper, but are weaker and have a limited range of motion.

Who it helps

The need knower is Jade, she uses a wheelchair.

Project details

The build files for JARL are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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