Media Release

Udupi, Nov 20: The knee is one of the most complex joints in the human body. Its importance in stabilizing the body is evident in a range of activities, from everyday activities such as standing, walking etc. On aging, the elderly encounter challenges in walking, standing and sitting activities. Through research and surveys, it is found that around 25% of people around the world, who are above 50 years of age, have serious problems related to knee joints. In India 15% of people are already taking treatments for knee pain, which is about 18 crore people roughly. But a lot of people in India go for domestic medicine, Ayurveda etc. hence the above number at minimum and on a rough estimation will be double i.e. 30% or about 36 crore people. In addition, it is an important fact that women undergo these pains a lot more frequently than men, about 10-20% more

Under the guidance of Chetan R, senior assistant professor, the final year, Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology & Management (SMVITM) ECE students Namana, Pranav, Adithya and Gowri have built the wearable smart and cost effective device which assists in sitting and standing using the Lead Screw mechanism, this is achieved by receiving input from the user through an Android app, which has been developed. The app instructs the microcontroller to actuate the motor in desired direction and speed to help in movement. This work is funded by Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST). Movement and other normal action involving the knee joint has been a very old problem since the beginning of mankind, especially in old people. This project has provided a better smart, effective and permanent solution to this age old problem. The elderly will be able to stand, walk and live normally without the help of caretakers.