A Case Study of Augmented Physical Interface by Foot Access with 3D Printed Attachment.

We propose an attachment creation framework that allows foot access to existing physical interfaces designed to use hands such as doorknobs. The levers, knobs, and switches of furniture and electronic devices are designed for the human hand. These interfaces may not be accessible for hygienic and physical reasons. Due to the high cost of parts and initial installation, sensing or automation is not preferable. Therefore, there is a need for a low-cost way to access physical interfaces without hands. We have enabled foot access by extending the hand-accessible interface with 3D-printed attachments. Finally, we proposed a mechanism (component set) that transmits movement from a foot-accessed pedal to an interface with attachments. And we attached it to the doorknob, water faucet, and lighting switch interface. A case study was conducted to verify the system’s effectiveness, which consisted of 3D-printed attachments and pedals.