Abstract
The human sense of equilibrium deteriorates with aging, and this deterioration sometimes causes danger such as tumble accidents. In this study, we designed and prototyped a device for measuring and training the human sense of equilibrium based on the basic concept of a balancing vehicle with parallel two wheels. Just after a trainee got on the simply-controlled device, he could not maintain it horizontally and fell from it. However, while he was trying to get on the device, the interaction between the device and him became sophisticated and he soon learned how to get on it. This experiment shows that our prototype has a potential as a training device. We furthermore developed a device for measuring the load distribution of trainee's foot bottom. Our study is aiming at creating a device for preventing elderly people requiring nursing care from further losing physical and mental strength.
