We have developed a system design technology that allows people with disabilities to combine various disability aids and use them in an integrated manner. Home environment models to address the needs of individuals with disabilities have also been proposed and demonstrated. In the system, input and output devices that use different control methods are networked by using a common network platform technology for robot modules, "RT (Robot Technology) Middleware". This allows devices to be easily added to or removed from the network and enables cooperation of the devices on the network; thereby, it allows the user to combine devices according to his/her needs. The system is equipped with high-performance interfaces for equipment control, namely a stereovision-based, fast-response gesture interface that can be customized according to the level of mobility of a person with disabilities and a speech-recognition interface that is robust to noise in the home environment and can recognize unclear speech. In addition, active casters for easy movement of home equipment are installed in the home environment to provide physical assistance.
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