steady — cherryonarchive

Steady (2023)
Walking aid for eldery dogs

Steady is a seatbelt-inspired walking aid for elderly dogs. It provides vertical support to help senior dogs walk safely and comfortably while maintaining freedom of movement. Integrated sensors collect walking data and provide analysis results. The project was developed with consultation from the University of Zurich Veterinary Department.

Old dogs are particularly vulnerable to mobility-related conditions such as disc disease, arthritis, and joint dislocation. Walking assistance is therefore important for maintaining their mobility. However, existing walking aids have several limitations. This walking aid was designed to support freedom of movement and usability across various terrains.

The seat belt can extend and retract, allowing users to move freely while remaining securely supported. In the event of a sudden movement or rebound, it locks firmly to prevent excessive displacement.
This mechanism was applied to the strap structure to provide safe and comfortable walking assistance.

A prototype was developed with support from the Korea Invention Promotion Association to explore the usability of a seatbelt-inspired mechanism, and related patent and utility model applications were filed.

Steady can be securely locked in place by engaging the brake during breaks.
The support structure rotates for compact storage after use, and the stick length is adjustable to accommodate different dog sizes and walking environments.

Sensors integrated into Steady collect walking data, which is analyzed and visualized through the app.
The system helps identify mobility-related issues that may not be noticeable during everyday observation.