Abstract
A handle part of a walking assist device is important as an interface part between the device and users. The steering function needs to achieve the reciprocal characteristics (straight-ahead vs. turning). The purpose of this study was to investigate the steering systems as appropriate in two kinds of handle systems (a fixed type and a non-fixed type). The results suggest that the fixed type achieved the straight-ahead characteristic to tilt the turning-axis of a caster; and also achieved the turning characteristic using the switch mechanism for the steering angles in the non-fixed type.
