Motorized hospital bed for mobility of patients: a review on wheel type design

Abstract

AbstractMobile bed to move patients in hospitals is a critical aspect in a healthcare system. Typical hospital beds often require significant manpower and impose physical stresses on caregivers. This paper explores potential solutions to improve hospital bed mobility, focusing on the integration of robotic technologies. Existing literatures on the subject are reviewed, including studies on hospital bed design structures, ergonomic considerations, and implementations of robotics. Different types of wheels suitable for robot movements are discussed, covering conventional wheels, omniwheels, mecanum wheels, swerve drives, and powered fifth wheels. Each wheel type is described and its advantages and disadvantages are highlighted. The comparison of these wheel types helps identify the most suitable option for modifying hospital beds while maintaining their maneuverability. Furthermore, the paper draws inspiration from many applications of mobile robots in other industries, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), to explore potential innovations for the healthcare. By leveraging robotic technologies, hospitals can enhance efficiency and alleviate the burden on healthcare workers.