UniversityRef.

ofAres(2014)84264
Patras - 16/01/2014
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AML Applied Mechanics Laboratory

SEATRAC: An innovative device that

offers disabled people
autonomous sea access
Who we are:

Vassilis KOSTOPOULOS
Professor of Applied Mechanics & Composite Structures

George SOTIRIADIS
Postdoctoral researcher at Applied Mechanics Laboratory

Ignatios FOTIOU
PhD candidate at the University of Patras – Researcher at Applied
Mechanics Laboratory
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Short History:

SEATRAC’s research team derives from the Applied

Mechanics Laboratory which is established at the Department
of Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics of the University of
Patras.

In 2009 Gerasimos Fessian, vice – perfect at the time of the

prefecture of Achaia, contact us seeking a solution that will
facilitate sea access to people with kinetic disabilities or
limited mobility.

The process of addressing the problem proven to be quite

challenging, as we realized that there had been no such
applications in the industry. A year after a functional
prototype of the device was built.
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What SEATRAC is: The innovative device that

offers disabled people
autonomous sea access

It is basically composed by :

• a fixed track system

• a specially designed wheelchair
• a handrail at the disembarkation
point
• a control tower (containing the
essential mechanical, electric and
electronic equipment)
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SEATRAC’s Usage:
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About SEATRAC:
An Integrated Technology Platform
• Mechanical / Industrial Design
of products
• Renewable energy sources
• Electronics
• Automatic Control
• Production methods

Integration of technologies
Leads to :
 Improved quality.
 Improved production time.
 Reduced Cost.
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Seatrac’s Innovative Characteristics

• Autonomous sea access for disabled people.

• Non fixed installation, no alterations to the environment or a
permanent impact on it.
• Simple and safe operation.
• Completely standalone apparatus (energy, maintenance, etc).
• Use of simulation tools since the preliminary design stage
(virtual operation and testing)
• Covered by Greek, European and US patents.
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Evolution:
Based upon
• Experience gained after 4 years of
operation.
• Data gathered from users through :
• Personal contact (usually on site)
• Survey
• Taking into account European Directives
and Standards
• Mechanical strength and fatigue tests
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Implementing Directives:
The following procedure was followed during
SEATRAC’s design face :

Machinery directive 2006/ 42 / ΕC

•Associated standards for safety

(e.g. ΕΝ ΙSO 12100 )
• ΕΝ ISO 14121-2 methods for
carrying out Risk Assessment

•Hazard Identification.
•Risk estimation and evaluation.
•Selection of appropriate safety measures.
•Iteration of risk estimation and evaluation
process for evaluating risk reduction.
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Implementing Directives Hazard

Identification (more
than 50 cases)

Risk Estimation Risk estimation

Class CI (Fr+Pr+Av)
Consequences
(Se) 4 5-7 8-10 11-13 14-15
Implementing
Death, losing an eye or arm Safety Measures
4
Permanent, losing fingers 3
Reversible, medical
attention 2
Reversible, first aid
1

(ΕΝ ISO 14121-2)

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Evolution:
New Feature
&
Future Improvement

Development of a camera apparatus

which will act as an active
optoelectronic device, by means of
pattern recognition. The system, to
be integrated will achieve the
immobilization of the chair once it
‘detects’ that there is a person
standing in it’s course.

Up to now there is only an audible

warning when the chair moves.
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Present State:
TOBEA LTD was founded in 2012 as a Spin – Off company.
The role of the company is to operate the project and further develop
SEATRAC.
• Production of an innovative product in Greece.
• Export activity in Cyprus.
• Interest for SEATRAC from other countries ( France, Croatia)
• Expansion and economic growth of the company , which offers new job
opportunities .
• Design of new products and services which will strengthen the market
established by SEATRAC.
• Invigoration of the local society by collaborating with local companies for
the construction of parts.
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Tobea and the University of Patras:

ΤΟΒΕΑ emerged from the knowledge obtained at the

University of Patras. As a spin off company returns funds to
the University through royalties.

The development of SEATRAC is supported by a

memorandum of understanding between Tobea and the
University.

ΤΟΒΕΑ along with AML (through the memorandum) develops

new products and services.
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Market aimed by ΤΟBΕΑ:

SEATRAC can be purchased by :

• Prefectures and Municipalities.

• Hotels facilities.
• Businesses that offer services
related to the sea environment (beach
bars, restaurants, sports etc)

SEATRAC potential end users are:

• People with disabilities or limited mobility problems, probably forming
the world’s biggest minority, (over 10 % of the population in Europe)
• People facing temporary mobility issues.
• Elderly people
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Acknowledgements
To all the staff members and the colleagues of

Applied Mechanics & Vibrations Laboratory

Department of Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics
University of Patras , Greece