Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is developing an elderly automatic showering system by optimizing nozzle position and angle of water injection on ergonomics approach. Background: The elderly living in nursing home or hospital were increased by an aging population. Helping the elderly on showering is so hard. In addition, the existing showering/bathing systems are not effective because shower pattern of the elderly and washed range of nozzle were not considered. Method: Firstly, basic specification were determined by anthropometric approach. Secondly, position of nozzle and angle of water injection were determined through observation of elderly behavior on showering. And, finally, they were optimized by washing test and showering simulation. Results: On showering importance of body parts were able to analysis through observation of elderly behavior. The position of nozzle and angle of water injection was able to optimize by showering simulation. The automatic showering system was developed by considering their results. Conclusion: The most important technology of developing a showering system is the determining position of nozzle and angle of water injection, number of nozzle. It was developed by applying its results through user centered-research. Application: The user centered-research of developing products was able to apply directly to develop automatic bath, showering products etc. Further more it was available to apply senior friendly products.
