Assistive technology: simulation-based evaluation of a smart portable toilet to enhance personal control among individuals with autism and disabilities
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Toileting is a fundamental activity of daily living that presents significant challenges in bed-based care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations and neurodevelopmental or intellectual disabilities. Despite its importance, assistive toileting has received limited attention at early design and feasibility stages. This study evaluates the technical feasibility of a bed-deployable, plumbing-independent automated toileting concept using simulation-based methods and structured expert appraisal. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including computer-aided design (CAD), quasistatic finite element analysis (FEA), controller timing simulations, and qualitative flow coverage assessments. An interdisciplinary expert panel (n = 15) provided structured feedback on system architecture and technical plausibility. Simulation results indicate that the proposed system architecture can execute the intended operational sequence and integrate key subsystems within a controlled virtual environment. Expert feedback identified design considerations and areas requiring further investigation but does not represent real-world performance or validated outcomes. This study is positioned as a preliminary feasibility investigation and provides a structured, standards-aware framework for early-stage evaluation of assistive toileting systems. Findings are based on simulation and expert perception and do not reflect clinical effectiveness or user outcomes. Future work should include physical prototyping, standardized bench testing, and empirical validation with end users to assess safety, usability, and real-world performance.
Author: Budor H. Saigh
Institution: Umm al-Qura University
Language: English
Subfield: Occupational Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7165007463