With the rapid transition to an aging society, the need for assistive technologies that promote independent indoor living for the elderly and mobility-impaired has become increasingly critical. This study proposes the development of a next-generation powered chair designed to support such independence by compensating for mobility limitations caused by natural aging. The proposed system incorporates two core functionalities: (1) an low seat-lifting mechanism capable of lowering the seat height to 7 cm, and (2) a short-range autonomous driving mode operable in both lowered and lifted positions. The low driving mode enables the user to approach low tables or desks and facilitates effortless transfer to and from low beds or sofas. In the lifted position, the system performs real-time obstacle detection and avoidance within a 3-meter range, preventing falls and collisions while expanding the user’s range of motion— for instance, by allowing access to higher objects or enabling eye-level communication with standing individuals. To realize these functions, a rack-and-pinion lifting mechanism is applied, along with a direct target-point designation method utilizing an LED pointer and a wiper-type screening approach for real-time obstacle avoidance. The design concept, implementation strategy, and validation plan are presented. This research contributes to enhancing the quality of life for elderly users by maximizing their remaining physical capabilities, while simultaneously reducing the physical and emotional burden on caregivers.

Abstract
1. 서 론
2. 개발장치
    2.1 개발의 필요성
    2.2 개발 목표
    2.3 개발 내용
    2.4 평가지표
3. 실험 및 실험결과
    3.1 실험개요실험을 위한 개발
    3.2 실험 결과
4. 결 론
후 기
References

• 안영명(Professor, Dept. of Smart Automobile Engineering, Seoil University) | Young-myung Ahn Corresponding author