HASLEE AFZAN BIN MAZLEE POLITEKNIK SULTAN MIZAN ZAINAL ABIDIN
The increasing life expectancy and growing population of elderly individuals in Malaysia have highlighted the need for safer and more user-friendly living environments, particularly for elderly people who often face difficulties in performing daily activities in high-risk areas such as bathrooms, where slippery surfaces and limited mobility increase the risk of accidents such as slips and falls. Existing grab
bars are generally static and lack adjustability, making them less suitable for users with different physical abilities, heights, and strength levels, while the absence of additional safety features such as monitoring or emergency alert systems further limits their effectiveness. This study aims to develop an adjustable smart grab bar system as aninnovative and practical solution that allows height and angle adjustments according to user needs, thereby improving comfort, stability, and safety. The development involves designing a flexible mechanical structure and integrating basic smart features, followed by prototype testing to evaluate stability, load-bearing capacity, and user convenience. The results are expected to show improvements in safety, adaptability, and user independence compared to conventional grab bars, and in conclusion, the proposed system has strong potential to enhance the quality of life of elderly individuals by providing a safer and more supportive environment for daily activities.
Keywords: Smart grab bar, adjustable system, elderly safety, persons with disabilities,
bathroom safety, assistive device, ergonomics, fall prevention.