Implementation of a Stewart Platform for Enhanced Patient Comfort in Ambulance Stretchers

Abstract

In modern emergency medical services, patient safety and comfort during transportation are critical concerns. This paper presents the design and implementation of a Stewart Platform integrated into ambulance stretchers to enhance patient comfort by minimizing vibrations and sudden movements. The Stewart Platform, a type of parallel manipulator with six degrees of freedom, is utilized for its high precision and stability in motion control applications. The study explores the mechanical design, kinematic modeling, and control system integration required to implement the Stewart Platform in the stretcher framework. Key components include actuators, sensors, and a real-time microcontroller to enable adaptive damping and vibration isolation. Advanced control algorithms, including Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) and Model Predictive Control (MPC), are employed to dynamically adjust the platform's position and orientation in response to road conditions. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the system in reducing vibrations and tilt angles during simulated ambulance rides. The platform maintains stability within ±2 degrees of tilt and reduces vertical oscillations by up to 70%. These improvements significantly enhance patient comfort and safety compared to conventional stretchers. This research contributes to the field of biomechanical engineering and emergency medical technology by providing a novel solution for mitigating transport-induced discomfort and potential injuries. Future work will focus on further miniaturization, cost optimization, and integration with telemedicine technologies to monitor and manage patient vitals during transit.

Cite as:

V. Naresh, Y. Santhosh Kumar, L. Indirakumar, & K. Murugan. (2025). Implementation of a Stewart Platform for Enhanced Patient Comfort in Ambulance Stretchers. Journal of Advanced Research in Industrial Engineering, 7(1), 10–20. 

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15195062