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Office Wheelchair with High Manoeuvrability and Navigational Intelligence for People with Severe Handicap

Objectif

In this project, a new generation of smart, sensor-assisted wheelchair systems for the vocational rehabilitation of people with severe and multiple (incl. mental) handicap will be developed and thoroughly tested with users.

The main objective is the development of an advanced wheelchair with high manoeuvrability and navigational intelligence, that is well suited for vocational rehabilitation and provides an opportunity for natural wheelchair control to people with severe physical or multiple handicap. Cramped offices are made accessible by the small size and by the omnidirectional mobility with ergonomic control. The user's safety and driving accuracy are guaranteed by a novel sensor system and navigation modules. A wide range of control devices can be used with the adaptable human-machine interface which also controls environmental devices. Within the project, the user focused principle is strongly followed by the involvement of users from the preparatory work to the evaluation of the results.

Technical Approach : A major step towards this goal is achieved by the omnidirectional mobility of the wheelchair. The system will have an all-around freedom of motion, which means it almost has the movability of a hovercraft. The user-control is so designed that the user can use it intuitively - the control system itself is based on modular control structures for omnidirectional vehicles. The control system is flexibly configurable and allows for wheelchair control on different levels of abstraction in accordance with the different user's needs. This is supported by ultrasonic/infrared sensors and by a sensor-fusion for real-time obstacle avoidance and backtracing. A modular human-machine-interface, which is adaptable to meet the different user's abilities, provides an uniform control for wheelchair, communication and environment. These innovative aspects are supplemented by the mechanical design focused on small size and by the integration of a new elevating seat with posture support. The integration of these modules into a well-harmonised overall system is based on modern soft- and hardware concepts. It is strongly influenced by the various technological experiences of the partners (a major wheelchair manufacturer, three SMEs, three university institutes and a research institute as a part of a large rehabilitation centre) in the fields of wheelchair development, control, omnidirectional platforms, sensoric, robotic, as well as in rehabilitation and testing with users.

Impact and Expected Results : The results consist of two smart omnidirectional wheelchair prototypes integrated with the subsystems described above. The software developed includes a modular basic human-machine interface, a flexible configurable control system, basic local navigation and user safety module adaptable to the special needs of the different users. The advanced wheelchair system makes the disabled user more independent and thereby improves performance at work and in vocational rehabilitation. Previous investigations and inquiries with users highlight these social and economic factors and guarantee user-demand driven results.

Programme(s)

Thème(s)

Appel à propositions

Data not available

Régime de financement

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinateur

Fernuniversität Gesamthochschule Hagen
Contribution de l’UE
Aucune donnée
Adresse

58084 Hagen
Allemagne

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Coût total
Aucune donnée

Participants (8)

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Dernière mise à jour: 31 Août 1995

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/1097/fr

European Union, 2024