Team Zhao

Team Zhao - open-source assistive technology concept by the Alberta community

About this project

The purpose of a rehabilitation process can vary significantly. In our project, the purpose is to facilitate the first stage of intervention that can provide Zhao with some relief from his physical barrier or challenge, opening the doors to a more comprehensive rehabilitation program in the near future. As a solution, we propose the use of a design involving an electromechanical system attached to a wheelchair or any structure resembling a chair with an arm rest. This system assists in extending and bending a patient's arm to a degree and speed that can be computer-controlled and tolerated by the patient.

The challenge

With the aging population worldwide and limited income, there aren’t enough Physical Therapists available for stroke patients. In countries like Japan, they have designed robots to do therapy with patients.

Who it helps

Calvenn Tsuu moved to Canada in 2000, his father-in-law, Yie Zhao, lives in China and suffered a stroke 2 years ago. Within that time period, he has not received adequate physiotherapy and, as a result, both his arms and hands have ended up in a contracted position in front of his chest. Zhao uses the assistance of a nanny for all his daily activities. Tsuu is always looking for ways to help his father-in-law and went so far as to bring him a powered wheelchair from Canada last year.

Project details

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

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