Berlin High School InvenTeam

Lever Launch & Retrieve to aid physical therapy
Computing and Telecommunications

Cherry Plain, New York
2015-2016

The Berlin High School InvenTeam invented an adaptive device for persons who are confined to wheelchairs and would benefit from hand/arm activity while maintaining their independence. The physical activity exerted through use of the Lever Launch and Retrieve System includes stretching and bilateral movements achieved through play. The device consists of four major subsystems: • an easily attached and detached wireless control console that can be mounted on a standard wheelchair, • a lever-launch mechanism, • a robot chassis, and • a mechanical arm with five degrees of freedom that is mounted on the chassis to retrieve and return the launched object to the person. Benefits from repeated use of the Lever Launch and Retrieve System may include improved functional abilities, muscle strength, active and passive joint range, and coordination. The autonomous nature of the device allows the person to gain strength while maintaining their independence.