14-03-2017, 12:45 PM
The laser-equipped wheelchair scans the environment as it progresses and creates a 3D map of the surroundings. Instead of a visual image, the map information is sent to the occupant of the wheelchair using a haptic interface. They may not be able to see the door in front of them, but they can feel it. A joystick will allow them to move around any obstacles in their path.
More than a concept, visually impaired student Daniel Innala Ahlmark has already taken the wheelchair in his first career. He sailed through the hallways of the University and said he felt safe while using the system. It will present a model ready for production within the next five years, which in the grand scheme of things is not so far. We present a brief survey on the development of autonomy in wheelchairs and the R & D of AAI to build a series of intelligent autonomous wheelchairs are discussed. A standardized autonomy management system has been developed and tested that can be installed in easily available power chairs that have been well designed over the years. A behavioral approach was used to establish sufficient on-board autonomy at minimal cost and use of materials, while achieving high efficiency, sufficient safety, transparency in appearance and extent. So far, the additional system has been installed and tested on two common models of electric wheelchairs. The initial results are very encouraging.
