The conceptual design of a wheelchair-based robotic manipulator for disabled children is presented. The design takes into accout safety and functionality requirements, such as safe rotation/translation maximum speed of the tip of the manipulator, minimum weight of the object to be lifted, minimum work space and a maximum weight of the manipulator. Other requirements taken into account include low cost and compatibility with electrical wheelchairs. In addition, user interface research has been performed in order to identify a suitable, easy way for the user to operate the device.