Microcontroller-Based Mobile IV Stand Follower with Ultrasonic Sensors for Patient Mobility: A Prototype Development

This research paper focuses on designing and developing a microcontroller-based mobile dextrose stand follower equipped with ultrasonic proximity detection. The primary aim is to improve patient convenience in medical settings by automating the movement of IV stands, thus eliminating the need for manual handling. The system uses ultrasonic sensors integrated with an Arduino ATMega 2560 microcontroller to detect the patient's presence and location. This information is processed to control a 36V brushless DC motor, allowing the device to follow the patient autonomously. Initial tests demonstrated the system's capability to follow a patient in a controlled environment, maintaining a consistent speed and navigating effectively. The prototype showed promise in enhancing patient mobility and reducing the burden on healthcare staff. Future improvements may include using alternative sensors and advanced navigation algorithms to enhance performance and reliability further.