This paper discusses the mechanism design and
mechatronic control of a multifunctional test bed for testing and
evaluating healthcare activities designed for assisting bedridden
people. The test bed consists of a set of two robotic beds: one main
bed and one nursing bed. The main bed is designated for posture
changing and the nursing bed is for transportation. Both beds are
also equipped with a belt system for transferring the body between
them. The design concept of the bed system is formulated based on
the field study of similar apparatus in hospitals. The two beds are
then manufactured and controlled by a systematically designed
mechatronic system and can be interacted through a specially
designed graphical user interface program. Related experimental
evaluations are illustrated extensively. The proposed test bed
is designated for mechatronic engineers and healthcare personnel
simultaneously to better assist the daily life of a bedridden person.
The evaluation results indicate the effectiveness of the bed system.