What it does
The ErgoCare Cane is an ergonomic mobility aid that relieves shoulder pain and improves stability for seniors. It uses a forearm support to reduce joint strain and features a four-point base for better grip. Adjustable height and washable padding add comfort.
Your inspiration
The project was inspired by a 70-year-old lady in a Hong Kong care center who, despite using a cane, suffered from post-surgical pain, arthritis, and added shoulder strain. Her experience highlighted how standard mobility aids often overlook users' real needs. Supporting data—15% of Hong Kong seniors have mobility issues and 72% of cane users report shoulder pain—underscored the problem. Her fear of falling, especially on slopes and in bathrooms, became a mission to combine biomechanics with empathy, aiming to restore dignity as well as mobility. Her first independent walk in the garden was our greatest motivation.
How it works
The ErgoCare Cane features an advanced weight-distribution system that shifts pressure from vulnerable joints to stronger forearm muscles using three key mechanisms. Its curved forearm cradle redirects 60% of force away from the shoulder and wrist, reducing shoulder strain by 40% as shown in clinical studies. The quad-foot base increases stability by 30% with angled, high-friction pads that grip well on various surfaces and meet safety standards. A 15° forward handle tilt, developed with motion analysis, supports natural arm movement and proper posture. Made from lightweight, aerospace-grade aluminum, the cane supports up to 200kg and includes modular silicone grips for arthritic hands. It is also ready for smart sensor upgrades, such as fall detection. Trials with Hong Kong seniors showed a 92% reduction in pain, making the ErgoCare Cane a new standard in mobility aids that supports both immediate comfort and long-term independence.
Design process
The ergonomic cane’s development began by identifying the main challenges faced by elderly users, especially those with chronic pain or post-surgical issues. Traditional canes often cause secondary problems like shoulder pain, poor weight distribution, and instability. To address these, the team set out to design a cane that evenly distributes force across the arm, reduces shoulder strain, and improves comfort and stability. The initial phase included research into user needs and existing products, leading to design principles such as optimal force distribution, a balanced center of gravity, and effective shock absorption. These were realized through features like a forearm support, adjustable height, lightweight materials, an ergonomic handle, and a shock-absorbing base. CAD modeling and 3D-printed prototypes enabled early testing and refinement. Improvements focused on contouring the forearm support for comfort, refining adjustability, optimizing grip, and enhancing the shock absorption and anti-slip base. User feedback guided each iteration to ensure both function and comfort. Future plans include adding smart sensors for posture and gait feedback, exploring exoskeleton support, and researching new materials. Collaboration with healthcare professionals is also planned.
How it is different
The originality of our ergonomic cane comes from its holistic solution to the shortcomings of traditional mobility aids. Unlike standard canes that can cause shoulder pain and poor weight distribution, our design uses a forearm support to spread force evenly, greatly reducing shoulder strain. Lightweight materials like carbon fiber and aluminum alloy make it both strong and easy to use, unlike heavier quad canes or rollators. A built-in shock absorption system lessens joint impact, improving comfort and reducing pain. Features such as an ergonomic handle, adjustable height, and anti-slip base further enhance user comfort and adaptability. Future plans for smart sensors and possible exoskeleton support set our cane apart by addressing both current and evolving user needs, making it a standout, user-centered innovation in assistive devices.
Future plans
The next phase of our ergonomic cane’s development centers on technological upgrades and wider user adoption. We plan to integrate smart sensors that monitor posture and gait in real time, giving users feedback through a mobile app and enabling healthcare professionals to track progress remotely. We’ll also explore lighter, stronger materials and consider adding exoskeleton support for those with severe mobility challenges. For commercialization, we aim to conduct large-scale user trials with hospitals and rehab centers, using the results to refine the design before mass production.
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