SAM | Robotic Mobility Aid for Samsung
OVERVIEW
Mobility independence is about more than just walking, yet nearly all mobility aids focus solely on that. SAM introduces a new form of physical AI, redefining robotics as an empowering tool that enables users to take greater control of their daily lives at home.
Individual - ArtCenter College of Design
16 Weeks (2026)
Solidworks, Keyshot, Procreate, Vizcom
User-research, CAD, Physical Prototyping, Rendering
ROLE
LENGTH
TOOLS
SKILLS
The home robot takes on a new form.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Existing mobility aids fail to address all aspects of indoor mobility independence.
BACKGROUND
Older adults increasingly prefer aging in place over institutional care
The next generation of seniors will redefine aging. More older adults than ever are choosing to remain in their homes rather than transition into assisted living environments. As independent aging increases, so does the need for mobility support that adapts to both the individual and the home.
The underlying goal is independence.
Independence is more than walking.
RESEARCH
Primary indoor mobility challenges involve picking up, carrying and lifting
While most mobility aids are geared towards being versatile, the majority of assistance is actually required indoors. Micro-tasks such as lifting, picking up, or carrying items room to room pose legitimate challenges to individuals with limited mobility, yet remain essential as actions required to take care of one’s home on a daily basis.
Existing Solutions — Standard vs. Market Trend
The Traditional Walker
Limited support
Walking assistance
No multi-tasking
While walkers have remained the standard mobility aid for decades, they are designed primarily to support movement alone. Everyday tasks such as reaching, lifting, bending, or transitioning between sitting and standing still require additional assistance.
The AI Caregiver
Maximum convenience
Limited physical assistance
Removes user control
Humanoid robotics promise fully automated living, but automation alone does not create independence. When robots perform every task for the user, autonomy can quickly become dependency.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
Reframing assistive robotics to empower users, not replace them
IDEATION
Rapid concept exploration to select core system architecture and general form
The early stages focused on understanding the practical challenges users face throughout daily life at home. Once the essential support functions were identified, attention shifted toward designing a form and presence that felt approachable, supportive, and naturally integrated into the home environment.
RAPID PROTOTYPING
Defining proportions and essential dimensions in models of various sizes
While the overall form focused on creating a soft and approachable aesthetic, the hand required a careful balance between function and appearance. It was designed to perform basic tasks and movements while keeping the engineering minimal.
Meet SAM
The ultimate at-home mobility companion built to support aging in place.
Assistive Robotics
SAM shifts the role of home robotics from doing tasks for people to helping people do them themselves. By providing support without taking over, SAM promotes independence, dignity, and user control.
Intuitive Controls
Through voice commands or the touch display, users make selections and confirmations that SAM would then carry out. SAM handles execution while the user remains in control of decision-making.
A Helping Hand
Rather than doing everything, SAM focuses on what matters most. Its arm and hand are designed to safely pick up, carry, and move everyday household items.
Wireless Charging
When not in use, SAM docks on its charging mat and remains conveniently by the user’s side, ready whenever needed.