Motion is the Ultimate Freedom

In July of last year I wrote an article for New Mobility Magazine about Robots assisting persons with disabilities.

I looked at the current state of robot design and had some fun with the concept of R2-D2 or C3PO becoming helpers in the near future. It is without a doubt an incredibly fascinating idea to have mechanical aids helping people with disabilities. Talking with the researchers gave me the hope that we will see this happen sometime in our lifetimes.

As part of the article we asked people with disabilities to respond and tell us their vision of a perfect robot and what its most important tasks would be. We only received three responses, but all three had a universal theme.

A few people wanted the robot to do chores, some wanted it to look cute, but everyone wanted the robot to lift them, help them transfer, or help them change position.

It occurred to me that perhaps the ultimate freedom for someone who cannot move is to be able to move any time they want to or need to move because of pain or pressure. The other part of this freedom is to be able to move without being at someone's mercy, begging for help, or bothering another person. They understand that no matter how generous, their need is still inconveniencing someone else. Movement with the help of a machine is still better and gives a greater feeling of freedom.

I can appreciate this feeling when I get out on the ice in a hockey sled. The feeling of moving, sliding, and defying friction is incredible. To move without wheels, without wings, without a motor, is an awesome feeling. Freedom is one way to describe the sensation.

All of this reminds me modifying vans and cars for persons with disabilities is actually providing motion and by definition freedom to the people who use our vehicles.
KB