Boccia is a para-sport that can be played solely by throwing the ball, and there are commercially available high-functionality, high-cost boccia systems equipped with various assistive features. In contrast, the authors have developed a simple and low-cost boccia system and demonstrated its effectiveness in practical use. In this study, we designed a basic boccia system that allows for customization to accommodate diverse individual needs. Specifically, we first developed an easy-to-make and user-friendly basic system equipped with minimal essential functions. Next, we evaluated the system’s operation at a special-needs school and an after-school day service to identify necessary assistance. Additionally, we held workshops focusing on digital transformation (DX) in manufacturing to verify the feasibility of customization by general users. Based on these findings, we assessed the potential for assisting people with a variety of disabilities. As our next step, we aim to make these developments open source to enable broader implementation.

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Development of a Basic Open Boccia System That Can Assist People with a Variety of Disabilities

  • Hong Zhang,
  • Kazuki Hamada,
  • Mutsuhiro Nakashige,
  • Satoshi Fukumori,
  • Michiya Yamamoto

摘要

Boccia is a para-sport that can be played solely by throwing the ball, and there are commercially available high-functionality, high-cost boccia systems equipped with various assistive features. In contrast, the authors have developed a simple and low-cost boccia system and demonstrated its effectiveness in practical use. In this study, we designed a basic boccia system that allows for customization to accommodate diverse individual needs. Specifically, we first developed an easy-to-make and user-friendly basic system equipped with minimal essential functions. Next, we evaluated the system’s operation at a special-needs school and an after-school day service to identify necessary assistance. Additionally, we held workshops focusing on digital transformation (DX) in manufacturing to verify the feasibility of customization by general users. Based on these findings, we assessed the potential for assisting people with a variety of disabilities. As our next step, we aim to make these developments open source to enable broader implementation.