Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a walker equipped with one or more sensors, an onboard controller, powered wheels and associated motor controllers. The walker can sense its distance from the user and activate the powered wheels when commanded by the controller. The controller can execute programming including an automatic feedback control algorithm that regulates the distance between the walker frame and the user. In this manner, the walker automatically follows the user, keeping the user from having to expend energy to pull the walker along. The walker can then be utilized by the user solely for balance and support.

Abstract: A communicator for autonomous monitoring, detecting, and tracking of movement and orientation of a portion of a body of a wearer is disclosed. The communicator includes a sensor configured to detect a translational and/or rotational movement of the portion of the body of the wearer; an altimeter to measure changes in altitude of the portion of the body of the wearer; and a processor configured to determine an orientation and/or position of the portion of the body of the wearer. The processor further configured to compensate for the measured changes in altitude. The sensor is implemented at least by one of the following: accelerometer(s), gyroscope(s), and/or magnetometer(s).

Abstract: A communicator for autonomous monitoring, detecting, and tracking of movement and orientation of a portion of a body of a wearer is disclosed. The communicator includes a sensor configured to detect a translational and/or rotational movement of the portion of the body of the wearer; an altimeter to measure changes in altitude of the portion of the body of the wearer; and a processor configured to determine an orientation and/or position of the portion of the body of the wearer. The processor further configured to compensate for the measured changes in altitude. The sensor is implemented at least by one of the following: accelerometer(s), gyroscope(s), and/or magnetometer(s).