Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an autonomous elderly support device designed to assist elderly individuals in performing daily activities independently, including movement, hygiene, grooming, medication intake, and meal handling, thereby improving comfort, safety, and overall quality of life.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Elderly individuals often face challenges such as reduced mobility, weakened muscle strength, impaired vision, hearing loss, and cognitive decline, making daily activities like bathing, grooming, eating, and medication management difficult. These limitations increase dependence on caregivers, which can lead to emotional distress, loss of dignity, and social isolation. Manual assistance also carries risks of injury for both the elderly and caregivers, especially during transfers or repositioning. Inconsistent care, forgetfulness in taking medications, and difficulty accessing essential items further compromise their well-being. Additionally, the lack of personalized support tools contributes to inefficiencies and safety concerns in routine daily living.

[0003] Traditionally, elderly care has relied heavily on human caregivers, family members, and a combination of assistive tools like walkers, shower chairs, pillboxes, and food trolleys. For grooming and repositioning, manual support from caretakers is typically needed, which can be strenuous and undignified for the elderly. Hygiene assistance is often limited to scheduled help, and medication management depends on alarms or caregiver reminders. Meal delivery lacks personalization and temperature control. While these methods provide basic care, they are fragmented, labor-intensive, and fail to promote independence, especially for users who prefer privacy and self-reliance in daily living activities.

[0004] US200800005301A1 discloses a mobile computing device, such as a cell phone or “handheld” with expanded features and capabilities for elderly persons, children, and others with either health-related issues or the need to monitoring by friends, family members, healthcare personnel, or others. Illustratively, the invention is a middleware application for a handheld/cellular device, that may be remotely configurable, and interacts with network service providers to provide a single-button solution for elderly people requiring assistance and for the notification of multiple parties regarding the nature of the required assistance.

[0005] US20170231856A1 discloses a mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a securing unit or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand or work for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to assist elderly individuals, however these existing devices mentioned in prior art have limitations pertaining to requirement of external control or assistance, failing to support truly independent living. Additionally, these existing devices also lack personalization based on user preferences and dynamic health conditions, making them inadequate for comprehensive elderly care.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of responding intuitively to the elderly user’s needs and enabling real-time, user-centric care within a confined environment by minimizing manual intervention. Additionally, the developed device also needs to be capable of providing grooming support to elderly individuals and ensuring that elderly users receive timely reminders and access to their prescribed medications without the need for constant supervision.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of enabling safe and independent movement of elderly individuals within a defined space.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of supporting comfortable repositioning of elderly users from one posture to another as per their needs.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of assisting elderly users in maintaining their personal hygiene through automated cleaning functions.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing grooming support to elderly individuals who are unable to manage their hair care independently.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring that elderly users receive timely reminders and access to their prescribed medications without the need for constant supervision.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of delivering meals at a suitable temperature and in a convenient manner for elderly users, enhancing ease of daily living.

[0015] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention relates to an autonomous elderly support device developed to help elderly individuals carry out everyday tasks such as mobility, personal care, grooming, taking medication, and managing meals, with the aim of enhancing their comfort, safety, and well-being.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an autonomous elderly support device, comprising a mobile body installed with a plurality of motorized Tri-Star wheels for autonomous movement within a dedicated enclosure, the motorized Tri-Star wheels enable omnidirectional movement including vertical climbing and stair negotiation within the dedicated enclosure, an imaging unit integrated with real-time facial recognition protocol to detect and analyze facial expressions and facial cues of an elderly user, a voice-activated control module integrated with the body, enabling the user to give speech commands for initiating movement, repositioning, and other operational functions, a plurality of cascading plates interconnected through motorized hinge joints arranged at the rear side of the body, the plates being reconfigurable to form a stretcher or an L-shaped chair structure, facilitating safe and comfortable transfer and support of the user within the enclosure, a plurality of articulated robotic arms mounted along the side periphery of the plates for providing additional stability and guidance to the user during transfer, a cleaning and scrubbing arrangement integrated with a top section of the body to clean body parts of the user; the cleaning and scrubbing arrangement includes a water chamber filled with water and integrated with a heating element to maintain a desired temperature, a motorized two-axis slider mounted with the water chamber, supporting an extendable bar via a motorized ball-and-socket joint, the bar being configured for multi-directional movement, a sponge unit attached to the bar for performing cleaning or scrubbing operations, the bar is operable to dip the sponge into the water chamber for soaking, a pressing panel positioned adjacent to the sponge unit, the panel is configured with a drawer arrangement actuated by a pusher unit integrated with the panel for extension and retraction.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a plurality of iris holes integrated within the panel, the iris holes being selectively actuated to open during sponge pressing to allow water drainage from the cleaning unit, a grooming assistance module installed on the body, configured to assist the user in hair care; and the grooming assistance module includes a rod extendable and retractable in real-time for reaching a user’s head, a U-shaped unit mounted at a front end of the rod and integrated with a three-point gripper for managing hair plaits, a comb unit mounted on the other end of the U-shaped unit, the comb equipped with a pressure sensor to regulate applied force during grooming and ensure user comfort, a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit that is accessed by a caretaker of the elderly user for providing input regarding medication schedule of the user which is saved in a database linked with the microcontroller, a real time clock integrated with the microcontroller for monitoring and maintaining a real time track, a motorized lid associated with a mouth portion of a multi-sectioned compartment stored with different medications and installed on the body, thereby enabling timely dispensing of the appropriate medication, a tray-like unit is mounted on the body for securely holding the user’s food, and a flap positioned above the tray is actuated by a telescopic pusher coupled between the flap and the body to enable controlled extension and retraction over the tray, a Peltier unit is integrated within the flap for regulating and maintaining the temperature of the food, ensuring the food remains suitable for consumption.

[0019] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an autonomous elderly support device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0024] The present invention relates to an autonomous elderly support device developed for elderly individuals to assist them in managing routine activities, including movement, personal hygiene, grooming, medication routines, and meal handling, with a focus on improving their ease, safety, and daily comfort.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an autonomous elderly support device is illustrated, comprising a mobile body 101 installed with a plurality of motorized Tri-Star wheels 102, an imaging unit 103 installed with the body 101, a voice-activated control module 104 integrated with the body 101, a plurality of cascading plates 105 interconnected through motorized hinge joints 106 arranged at the rear side of the body 101, a plurality of articulated robotic arms 107 mounted along the side periphery of the plates 105, a cleaning and scrubbing arrangement 108 integrated with a top section of the body 101, the cleaning and scrubbing arrangement 108 includes a water chamber 108a, a motorized two-axis slider 108b mounted with the water chamber 108a, supporting an extendable bar 108c via a motorized ball-and-socket joint 108d.

[0026] Figure 1 further illustrates a sponge unit 108e attached to the bar 108c, a pressing panel 108f positioned adjacent to the sponge unit 108e, a pusher unit 108g integrated with the panel 108f, a plurality of iris holes 108h integrated within the panel 108f, a grooming assistance module 109 installed on the body 101, the grooming assistance module 109 includes a rod 109a, a U-shaped unit 109b mounted at a front end of the rod 109a and integrated with a three-point gripper 109c, a comb unit 109d mounted on the other end of the U-shaped unit 109b, a motorized lid 110 associated with a mouth portion of a multi-sectioned compartment 111, a tray-like unit 112 mounted on the body 101, and a flap 113 positioned above the tray is actuated by a telescopic pusher 114 coupled between the flap 113 and the body 101.

[0027] The disclosed device herein comprises of a mobile body 101, configured with a plurality of motorized Tri-Star wheels 102 to autonomously navigate within a dedicated enclosure. A user is required to manually switch on the device by pressing the button positioned on the device, wherein the button used herein is a switch type push button. Upon pressing of the button, the circuits get closed allowing conduction of electricity that leads to activation of the device and vice versa.

[0028] After switching on the device by the user, an inbuilt microcontroller generates a command to actuate the motorized wheels 102. The motorized Tri-Star wheels 102 comprises of three sub- wheels 102 mounted on a rotating triangular hub, each driven by independent electric motors. During movement, the hub remains in rotational stasis on flat surfaces while individual sub-wheels 102 propel the device forward, backward, or laterally. For stair negotiation or vertical obstacle climbing, the triangular hub rotates cyclically, engaging successive sub- wheels 102 with the stair treads or vertical faces.

[0029] The rotation is synchronized with positional feedback to ensure continuous traction and stability. An imaging unit 103 integrated with a real-time facial recognition protocol, configured to detect and analyze facial expressions and facial cues of an elderly user. The imaging unit 103 comprises of an image capturing arrangement, including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of facial cues of an elderly user, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data.

[0030] The imaging unit 103 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images such as facial landmarks, assess emotional states, and determine user intent. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and for activating appropriate assistive responses.

[0031] The user provides speech commands via a voice-activated control module 104 integrated within the body 101 for the purpose of initiating operational functions, including but not limited to movement and repositioning. The module 104 comprises of a microphone array, a speech recognition processor, and a natural language processing (NLP) unit capable of interpreting a plurality of voice commands.

[0032] The voice-activated control module 104, herein captures spoken commands via an embedded microphone array, filters ambient noise, and converts the audio into a digital signal. This signal is processed using speech recognition protocols to extract textual data, which is then analyzed by the natural language processing (NLP) unit to identify command intent. The parsed command is interpreted contextually to validate the requested function (e.g., movement or repositioning). Once verified, the module 104 transmits corresponding control signals to the microcontroller, ensuring real-time execution of the user’s command in a seamless and efficient manner.

[0033] A plurality of cascading plates 105 is arranged in a sequentially stacked configuration and are mechanically coupled to each other through motorized hinge joints 106 arranged at the rear side of the body 101. The plates 105 transition between a flattened configuration forming a stretcher and an angular configuration forming an L-shaped chair. The microcontroller sends actuation signals to the motorized hinge joints 106, enabling coordinated angular displacement. The reconfiguration supports the user’s body during transfers within the enclosure, ensuring posture adaptability based on positional requirements derived from the user monitoring unit or manual control input.

[0034] The motorized hinge joints 106 comprise an electric motor integrated with a gear assembly that enables controlled pivoting of adjoining cascading plates 105. Upon receiving electronic control signals from the onboard microcontroller, the motor within each hinge rotates to a predetermined angular position, causing the respective plate to tilt or align as required. The motorized hinge joints 106 operate in sequence, allowing smooth structural transformation between stretcher and L-shaped chair configurations. A plurality of articulated robotic arms 107 is mounted along the lateral periphery of the cascading plate and include multiple servo-controlled joints 106 for multidirectional movement.

[0035] Upon initiation of a transfer sequence, the arms 107 extend or retract in accordance with the user’s position and orientation. The arms 107 provide real-time physical assistance by adjusting their position to guide, stabilize, or lift specific parts of the user’s body. A cleaning and scrubbing arrangement 108 integrated with a top section of the body 101 to clean body parts of the user. The cleaning and scrubbing arrangement 108 include a water chamber 108a, a motorized two-axis slider 108b supporting an extendable bar 108c via a motorized ball-and-socket joint 108d, a sponge unit 108e, a pressing panel 108f, and a plurality of iris holes 108h.

[0036] The water chamber 108a is a fluid reservoir integrated into the top section of the body 101 and configured to store a predetermined volume of water. A heating element installed within the chamber 108a is operable to elevate and maintain the water at a user-defined or pre-set temperature. Upon activation via a control signal from the microcontroller, the heating element engages to heat the water. The heated water facilitates effective soaking of the sponge unit 108e prior to the cleaning operation.

[0037] The motorized two-axis slider 108b herein comprises a pair of linear motion guides aligned orthogonally along the X and Y axes, each powered by a dedicated motor. Upon receiving motion control signals from the microcontroller, the motors drive the slider 108b along the respective axes, enabling bi-directional planar movement. The slider 108b serves as a dynamic base to which the water chamber 108a is securely mounted, allowing controlled repositioning of the entire cleaning assembly across the surface plane. This permits accurate and flexible targeting of different body areas for cleaning or scrubbing.

[0038] The extendable bar 108c is a linear actuator-based element connected distally to the motorized two-axis slider 108b via the motorized ball-and-socket joint 108d. Upon receiving an actuation signal, the bar 108c extends or retracts in a telescopic manner to adjust its length. This extension allows the sponge unit 108e mounted on its distal end to reach targeted body areas. The motorized ball-and-socket joint 108d enables angular reorientation of the bar 108c in multiple directions, ensuring the sponge can be positioned with precision for effective scrubbing or soaking from the water chamber 108a.

[0039] The motorized ball-and-socket joint 108d forms a pivotal connection between the two-axis slider 108b and the extendable bar 108c. The joint 108d is integrated with multi-axis servo motors that allows rotational and angular articulation of the extendable bar 108c across three degrees of freedom. Upon receiving directional input from the microcontroller, the motors engage to rotate the joint 108d along designated axes. This functionality facilitates omni-directional movement of the sponge unit 108e, thereby enhancing its ability to adapt to various contours and body areas for comprehensive cleaning.

[0040] The sponge unit 108e mentioned herein is constructed from an absorbent and flexible material suitable for cleaning applications. During operation, the extendable bar 108c repositions the sponge unit 108e to dip into the heated water chamber 108a for absorption. Post-soaking, the sponge unit 108e is maneuvered into contact with the user’s body, where it performs cleaning or scrubbing movements based on the dynamic input received from the motorized joint 108d and slider 108b. The sponge unit 108e is periodically returned to the pressing panel 108f for water drainage and re-soaking.

[0041] The pressing panel 108f is mounted adjacent to the sponge unit's path and includes a recess with a drawer arrangement. The drawer arrangement is actuated by a pusher unit 108g integrated within the panel 108f. Upon command, the pusher unit 108g extends the drawer outward to receive the sponge for pressing and retracts to apply compressive force. This action facilitates expulsion of absorbed water from the sponge. The panel's position relative to the sponge ensures that excess water is removed prior to or after a cleaning cycle, maintaining operational hygiene and sponge efficiency.

[0042] The pusher unit 108g consists of a linear actuator integrated within the pressing panel 108f and mechanically coupled with the drawer arrangement. When activated, the actuator extends the drawer arrangement outward and subsequently retracts the arrangement with controlled force, thereby compressing the sponge unit 108e placed within the drawer arrangement. The actuator’s travel path and pressure to achieve optimal water extraction without damaging the sponge.

[0043] The plurality of iris-type holes 108h mentioned herein are equipped with selectively actuated mechanical petals or shutters. During sponge pressing, the iris holes 108h are triggered to open, allowing expelled water to pass through and drain out of the cleaning unit. Once pressing is completed, the iris holes 108h close to prevent contamination or leakage. A grooming assistance module 109 installed on the body 101, is actuated upon receipt of user-initiated or autonomous control signals.

[0044] The grooming assistance module 109 includes a rod 109a, a U-shaped unit 109b integrated with a three-point gripper 109c, and a comb unit 109d. The module 109 facilitates grooming by executing a sequence wherein a rod 109a is extended toward the user’s head. The U-shaped unit 109b mounted on the rod 109a terminates with the comb and the three-point gripper 109c. Upon alignment with the user's hair, the module 109 actuates the gripper 109c for plait management while the comb performs regulated grooming. Real-time feedback from a pressure sensor ensures that grooming force remains within a safe threshold, optimizing comfort while preventing excessive force or scalp irritation during operation.

[0045] The rod 109a, integrally connected to the grooming module 109, is actuated by a linear actuator housed within the module’s structure. Upon command, the actuator extends the rod 109a in a linear path toward the spatial coordinates of the user’s head. The rod 109a operates in real-time, dynamically adjusting its length during grooming operations to maintain optimal proximity to the user’s scalp while allowing accurate positioning of the U-shaped unit 109b.

[0046] The U-shaped unit 109b, rigidly mounted at the distal end of the extendable rod 109a, serves as a structural frame supporting dual grooming: the three-point gripper 109c on one arm and the comb on the other. Upon positioning near the user's hair, the U-shaped unit 109b provides balanced engagement from multiple angles. The unit ensures stability during hair manipulation while allowing synchronous or independent actuation of both the gripper 109c and comb. The U-shaped frame remains fixed in orientation but dynamically interacts with hair strands to facilitate coordinated gripping, parting, or combing, as controlled by the microcontroller.

[0047] The three-point gripper 109c herein affixed to one end of the U-shaped unit 109b, connected to actuators controlled by the grooming module 109. Upon activation, the gripper 109c’s three prongs open and close in a sequenced motion to engage, hold, and manipulate hair strands. The gripper 109c performs plaiting or sectioning tasks by synchronizing finger-like movements, ensuring minimal strain on hair roots. The gripping force is regulated to prevent hair breakage. The gripper 109c operates in conjunction with or independently from the comb unit 109d, executing programmed patterns for efficient and user-specific hair arrangement or styling.

[0048] The comb unit 109d, mounted on the opposite end of the U-shaped unit 109b, comprises a set of fine bristles integrated with a motion actuator and the pressure sensor. Upon activation, the comb is moved across the scalp in linear or curved paths, driven by the actuator. The bristles align and detangle hair strands. The pressure data from the pressure sensor is continuously monitored to ensure optimal force application. The comb adjusts its speed and force in real-time based on sensor input, thereby enhancing user safety and comfort during grooming activities, while minimizing mechanical resistance and friction with hair.

[0049] The pressure sensor embedded within the comb unit 109d is configured to detect the force exerted by the comb on the user’s scalp or hair during grooming. The sensor continuously captures real-time pressure data and transmits the readings to the grooming module’s microcontroller. If the applied pressure exceeds predefined safety thresholds, the controller automatically adjusts actuator dynamics to reduce force. This closed-loop feedback ensures user-specific customization, enhances comfort, and prevents accidental scalp injury or discomfort due to excessive grooming force.

[0050] The microcontroller serving as a central processing unit, operatively configured to coordinate and manage the functional execution of various subsystems including the imaging unit 103, motorized components, sensors, and actuators. The microcontroller is embedded with a programmed logic circuit and memory unit to process real-time input signals, generate corresponding output control signals, and enable synchronized operations necessary to facilitate autonomous navigation, user interaction, posture support, and responsive elderly care functionalities.

[0051] The microcontroller continuously receives input data from connected units such as sensors and the imaging unit 103. Upon receiving these signals, the microcontroller processes them using its internal processing unit. Based on this computation, it sends out control signals to the relevant motorized wheels 102, actuators, or feedback unit. The microcontroller performs tasks like triggering movement, adjusting support plates 105, or relaying alerts. The microcontroller also performs error checking, communication with peripheral modules, and ensures timely coordination, operating in real-time to deliver responsive, automated care and assistance for elderly users.

[0052] A user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit is operatively associated with a microcontroller and is configured to be accessed by a caretaker of the elderly user. The user-interface enables manual input of data pertaining to a predefined medication schedule of the elderly user. The entered data is stored in a database linked electronically with the microcontroller. The microcontroller periodically queries the database and compares the current time with the stored schedule. Upon a match, the microcontroller initiates a programmed response such as visual or audio alerts, notification on the caretaker’s device, or activation of medicine dispensing modules to assist the elderly user in adhering to their medication regimen.

[0053] The user interface is accessed by the caretaker that includes but is not limited to a smartphone and laptop for enabling the user to input commands regarding elderly user's medication schedule, including timing, dosage, and type of medication. The computing unit is linked with the microcontroller via an integrated communication module that includes but is not limited to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module, a Wi-Fi module, or a Bluetooth module which is capable of establishing a wireless network between the microcontroller and the computing unit.

[0054] A real time clock (RTC) integrated with the microcontroller operates by continuously generating an accurate time signal through an onboard crystal oscillator and maintains real time track even during power interruptions. The microcontroller receives time data from the RTC via standard communication protocols such as I²C or SPI. When the current real-time value matches a pre-programmed schedule stored in the microcontroller's memory, an interrupt signal is triggered, enabling the microcontroller to initiate a predefined function, thereby ensuring accurate and autonomous execution of time-sensitive operations.

[0055] Upon receiving an actuation signal triggered by a matched time event from the RTC, the microcontroller actuates a motorized lid 110 configured with a mouth portion of a multi-sectioned compartment 111 stored with different medications and affixed on the body 101. The microcontroller drives the motor, causing the lid 110 to either rotate or slide open to expose the mouth portion of the medication compartment 111. The multi-sectioned compartment 111 comprises discrete storage cells, each preloaded with specific medication doses and configured to correspond with a medication schedule.

[0056] Upon actuation by the microcontroller based on real-time clock input, an indexing assembly (such as a rotating disc or sliding rail) positions the correct section beneath the lid 110 for access. The assembly ensures only the intended compartment 111 is exposed, preventing cross-contamination or incorrect dispensing. Each section is sequentially accessible in accordance with the time-based schedule to ensure accurate dose delivery.

[0057] A tray-like unit 112 is mounted on the body 101 to securely retain food items placed by the user. During operation, the tray-like unit 112 remains in a stable, horizontal orientation, resistant to vibration or tilt, ensuring spillage is prevented. The tray-like unit 112 incorporates surface treatments or contours to stabilize various container types. A flap 113 is positioned in alignment above the tray-like unit 112 and is functionally coupled to a telescopic pusher 114 for actuation.

[0058] The flap 113 undergoes guided translational motion in a controlled linear path to extend over or retract from the tray surface. This movement regulates the exposure of the food to external elements and provides a physical barrier during inactive states. The flap 113, in conjunction with an integrated Peltier unit, serves as a thermal regulating cover. The flap’s motion is automatically or manually controlled, enabling dynamic accessibility while maintaining environmental protection of the food placed on the tray. The telescopic pusher 114 is coupled between the body 101 and the flap 113, configured to actuate the flap 113 through mechanical extension and retraction.

[0059] Upon receiving control signals from a microcontroller, the telescopic pusher 114 extends in a linear direction to deploy the flap 113 over the tray-like unit 112 and retracts to withdraw the flap 113, exposing the tray-like unit 112. The telescopic pusher 114 comprises nested segments that elongate or contract through motorized drive, enabling smooth, low-resistance motion. The pusher 114 maintains axial stability and positional accuracy throughout the actuation cycle, ensuring the flap 113 covers or uncovers the tray without misalignment or obstruction.

[0060] The Peltier unit mentioned herein is thermoelectrically integrated within the flap 113 structure and functions to actively regulate the temperature of food located beneath the flap 113 on the tray-like unit 112. Upon activation, the Peltier unit generates a temperature differential across its surfaces, wherein one side absorbs heat and the opposite side dissipates it. This enables the Peltier unit to either heat or cool the enclosed air volume over the tray, depending on directional current flow. The microcontroller maintains a controlled temperature range optimal for food preservation.

[0061] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes known as a cathode and an anode. A voltage is generated between the anode and cathode via oxidation/reduction and thus produces the electrical energy to provide to the device.

[0062] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the mobile body 101 as disclosed in the invention is integrated with plurality of motorized Tri-Star wheels 102 to enable autonomous omnidirectional movement including vertical climbing and stair negotiation within the dedicated enclosure. The microcontroller acts as the central processing unit to coordinate all operations of the device. The imaging unit 103 integrated with a real-time facial recognition protocol continuously analyzes facial expressions and cues of the elderly user to assess their condition. The plurality of cascading plates 105 interconnected through the motorized hinge joints 106 is arranged at the rear side of the body 101 and is reconfigurable to form the stretcher or L-shaped chair structure as required for safe and comfortable transfer. The plurality of articulated robotic arms 107 mounted along the side periphery of the plates 105 provides stability and guidance to the user.

[0063] In continuation, the cleaning and scrubbing arrangement 108 comprise the water chamber 108a with a heating element, the motorized two-axis slider 108b supporting the extendable bar 108c via the motorized ball-and-socket joint 108d, the sponge unit 108e for body cleaning, and the pressing panel 108f integrated with the drawer arrangement and selectively actuated iris holes 108h for water drainage. The grooming assistance module 109 includes the extendable rod 109a, the U-shaped unit 109b with the three-point gripper 109c, and the comb unit 109d with the pressure sensor. The voice-activated control module 104 embedded with natural language processing responds to user commands. The user-interface in the computing unit allows caretakers to input the medication schedule, which is saved in the database linked with the microcontroller. The real time clock enables timely medication dispensing by actuating the motorized lid 110 of the multi-sectioned compartment 111 upon schedule match. The tray-like unit 112 is mounted on the body 101 to hold food, with the flap 113 above it actuated by the telescopic pusher 114. The Peltier unit embedded within the flap 113 maintains the food’s temperature for optimal consumption.

[0064] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An autonomous elderly support device, comprising:

i) a mobile body 101 installed with a plurality of motorized Tri-Star wheels 102 for autonomous movement within a dedicated enclosure;
ii) an imaging unit 103 integrated with real-time facial recognition protocol to detect and analyze facial expressions and facial cues of an elderly user;
iii) a plurality of cascading plates 105 interconnected through motorized hinge joints 106 arranged at the rear side of the body 101, the plates 105 being reconfigurable to form a stretcher or an L-shaped chair structure, facilitating safe and comfortable transfer and support of the user within the enclosure;
iv) a plurality of articulated robotic arms 107 mounted along the side periphery of the plates 105 for providing additional stability and guidance to the user during transfer;
v) a cleaning and scrubbing arrangement 108 integrated with a top section of the body 101 to clean body parts of the user;
vi) a grooming assistance module 109 installed on the body 101, configured to assist the user in hair care; and
vii) a microcontroller serving as a central processing unit, for coordinating the operation of the imaging unit 103, motorized components, sensors, and actuators to provide comprehensive elderly care and assistance.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a voice-activated control module 104 integrated with the body 101, enabling the user to give speech commands for initiating movement, repositioning, and other operational functions.

3) The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the voice-activated control module 104 includes natural language processing capabilities for recognizing diverse user commands and context-sensitive responses.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grooming assistance module 109 includes:
a) a rod 109a extendable and retractable in real-time for reaching a user’s head,
b) a U-shaped unit 109b mounted at a front end of the rod 109a and integrated with a three-point gripper 109c for managing hair plaits, and
c) a comb unit 109d mounted on the other end of the U-shaped unit 109b, the comb equipped with a pressure sensor to regulate applied force during grooming and ensure user comfort.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit that is accessed by a caretaker of the elderly user for providing input regarding medication schedule of the user which is saved in a database linked with the microcontroller.

6) The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein a real time clock integrated with the microcontroller for monitoring and maintaining a real time track, and in case the monitored time matches with a pre-fed time scheduled for medicine intake for the user, the microcontroller actuates a motorized lid 110 associated with a mouth portion of a multi-sectioned compartment 111 stored with different medications and installed on the body 101, thereby enabling timely dispensing of the appropriate medication.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motorized Tri-Star wheels 102 enable omnidirectional movement including vertical climbing and stair negotiation within the dedicated enclosure.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning and scrubbing arrangement 108B, includes:
a) a water chamber 108a filled with water and integrated with a heating element to maintain a desired temperature,
b) a motorized two-axis slider 108b mounted with the water chamber 108a, supporting an extendable bar 108c via a motorized ball-and-socket joint 108d, the bar 108c being configured for multi-directional movement,
c) a sponge unit 108e attached to the bar 108c for performing cleaning or scrubbing operations, the bar 108c is operable to dip the sponge into the water chamber 108a for soaking,
d) a pressing panel 108f positioned adjacent to the sponge unit 108e, the panel 108f is configured with a drawer arrangement actuated by a pusher unit 108g integrated with the panel 108f for extension and retraction, and
e) a plurality of iris holes 108h integrated within the panel 108f, the iris holes 108h being selectively actuated to open during sponge pressing to allow water drainage from the cleaning unit.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tray-like unit 112 is mounted on the body 101 for securely holding the user’s food, and a flap 113 positioned above the tray is actuated by a telescopic pusher 114 coupled between the flap 113 and the body 101 to enable controlled extension and retraction over the tray.

10) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a Peltier unit is integrated within the flap 113 for regulating and maintaining the temperature of the food, ensuring the food remains suitable for consumption.