Device interface for people with mobility impairment

Abstract

This paper presents a modified design of an electronically controlled wheelchair that integrates a general-purpose controlling system attached with the main actuators to provide mobility as well as additional control of some household appliances. The wheelchair system can be used for mobility as well as for controlling the Air conditioners (AC) and television (TV) systems as outputs. The system has many different inputs such as voice, (Electroencephalography) EEG port, joystick controllers that can be customized depending on the nature of the disability of the user. The system has been customized for a range of disabilities ranging from wheelchair usage from a minor leg injury to quadriplegic level where each scenario enables the user to use the appropriate input that suits his/her situation. The system is an interesting example of technology integration and intelligent software and will be put to test at one of the centers for assistive technology development.