Simulation and control of multipurpose wheelchair for disabled/elderly mobility

What is it about?

Currently, standard four-wheeled wheelchair designs have some limitations and cannot perform standard routine tasks, such as stair climbing, sit-to-stand and stand-to sit operations. A stair climbing wheelchair will allow the user to utilise the same assistive mobility equipment to manoeuvre on stairs as well as on flat surfaces. There will be no need for an elevator or an assistant to perform stair climbing, and this will allow the wheelchair user to exercise independence. This research embarks on the development of multipurpose wheelchair as mobile transporter for elderly and disabled people. The research is aimed at helping people with physical weakness/disabilities in their upper and lower extremities to move independently without human intervention. The controller is design to ensure system stability and safety while performing multipurpose tasks such as manoeuvrability on flat surfaces, stairs climbing (ascending and descending), standing in the upright position on two wheels and transformation back to standard four wheels.

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Why is it important?

The current research focuses on development of a novel compact and light weight multipurpose wheelchair model and further on the implementation of intelligent control to perform the corresponding multipurpose tasks. It is aimed to help people with disability/weakness in their lower extremities, so to enable them to manoeuvre independently while increase their self esteem and confidence to socialize with others.

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