Related Experiment Videos
The NavChair Assistive Wheelchair Navigation System
S P Levine1, D A Bell, L A Jaros
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
IEEE Transactions on Rehabilitation Engineering : a Publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
|December 28, 1999
Summary
The NavChair assistive wheelchair navigation system enhances powered mobility for individuals with impairments. It uses sensors and robotics for obstacle avoidance, door passage, and wall following, improving wheelchair operation.
Area of Science:
- Robotics and Human-Computer Interaction
- Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Operating powered wheelchairs can be cognitively and physically demanding for individuals with impairments.
- Limited access to powered mobility restricts independence for many people with disabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop the NavChair Assistive Wheelchair Navigation System to reduce operational demands.
- To enhance powered wheelchair accessibility for individuals with diverse impairments.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a computer system, ultrasonic sensors, and an interface module into a commercial wheelchair.
- Adaptation of mobile robotics obstacle avoidance techniques for wheelchair navigation.
- Implementation of three distinct operating modes: general obstacle avoidance, door passage, and automatic wall following.
Main Results:
- Performance testing confirmed the functionality of the general obstacle avoidance, door passage, and automatic wall following modes.
- The NavChair system demonstrated successful navigation assistance.
Conclusions:
- The NavChair system effectively reduces the cognitive and physical load of powered wheelchair operation.
- NavChair technology advances smart wheelchairs and has applications in shared control systems, adapting to user behavior.