Development of a New Intelligent Joystick for People with Reduced Mobility

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Standard electric wheelchair joysticks present usability challenges for individuals with physical limitations and seniors.
• Difficulty with conventional controls can impede mobility, independence, and safe travel for these users.
• Assistive technologies offer potential solutions for enhancing autonomy in electric wheelchair use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a real-time artificial intelligence (AI) control system for electric wheelchairs.
• To address the limitations of standard joystick controls, particularly in directional accuracy.
• To enhance independence and mobility for electric wheelchair users.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of previous assistive technologies for electric wheelchairs.
• Development and real-time implementation of an intelligent control system using a neural algorithm.
• Methodology for mapping joystick handle positions to control inputs.
• Experimental validation with patients at a rehabilitation hospital.

Main Results:

• The AI-based system demonstrated improved performance compared to standard joystick controls.
• The neural algorithm effectively addressed issues with directional control accuracy.
• Real-world testing with patients showed positive outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The proposed intelligent control system offers a viable solution for improving electric wheelchair navigation.
• AI integration in assistive devices can significantly enhance user independence and safety.
• The system shows promise for wider application in rehabilitation and mobility assistance.