The ABRAZA project is researching a robotic arm for wheelchair communication and assistance. It aims to address the needs of people who use wheelchairs and require extensive support, whose needs are not yet adequately met by the assistive products currently available in the health and social care sector. The project draws on ITCL’s work in intelligent robotics.

Project description

ABRAZA focuses on researching and prototyping a versatile robotic assistive device that could help people with extensive support needs communicate, receive assistance and act more independently. This application also relates to ITCL’s work in digital health.

The proposed device is intended for use from an early age. It would support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for wheelchair users. Later research phases may explore other forms of assistance to help users navigate an increasingly digital world.

The project will examine how a robotic arm could serve as an adaptable assistive device for people with extensive support needs who use wheelchairs. 

Overall objective

The project aims to design a device that supports communication throughout a person’s life, beginning in early childhood as a way to interact with the world. Over time, it could also help users access social media through a keyboard and literacy skills, control connected devices at home, and use digital tools for learning and everyday activities.

The proposed robotic arm would be multifunctional, robust, portable and deployable. It would be tailored to each person’s preferred way of accessing digital technology, whether through facial controls, eye tracking, switches, voice or other methods.

Expected results

The project is expected to advance knowledge of actuators and their control systems, advanced plastics, new manufacturing techniques, haptic technologies for control devices, and low-power electronic control hardware. These developments could also be applied in other fields.

The specific expected results are:

• A market study of multifunctional robotic arms.
• A prototype design for an advanced multifunctional robotic arm that incorporates the developments made during the project.

Project duration

1 August 2025 to 30 June 2026

National project in collaboration with

Funding application

An application for support for innovative business clusters, intended to improve their competitiveness and contribution to strategic autonomy, under the 2025 call issued by the Order of 25 August (Spanish Official State Gazette, No. 206, 27 August 2025).

Contact

Blanca Moral: blanca.moral@itcl.es