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The development of a voice-controlled robotic wheelchair will REVOLUTIONIZE THE Future of mobility!
Soon, a wheelchair will no longer be a passive transportation device. Instead, it will be an extension of a user’s body controlled by voice.
New advances in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are giving rise to wheelchairs operated by vocal commands.
So, what does this mean for the future of mobility?
Find out how these NEW wheelchairs will revolutionize your life as a caregiver or a wheelchair user.
READ MORE: AI and Hands-Free Tech Revolutionize The Wheelchair Industry and Provide User Independence
Table of Contents
The Design and Development
The robotic wheelchair controlled by voice will ensure independence, comfort, and convenience. The wheelchair features the following systems:
- Voice-controlled movement
- Obstacle detection
- Health monitoring
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Feature 1. Voice-Controlled Movement
The voice-controlled movement system is the heart of the robotic wheelchair. It allows users to control the wheelchair’s movement with their voice. The system consists of three parts:
- The microphone
- The speech recognition software
- The motor controller
1. The Microphone
The microphone captures the user’s voice commands. The speech recognition software processes these commands and sends them to the microcontroller unit (1).
2. The Speech Recognition Software
The software converts users’ voice commands into instructions that the microcontroller can understand. The software recognizes a variety of different accents and dialects.
Through speech recognition, the software responds only to the pre-recorded voice. Thus, you don’t have to worry about a stranger using your wheelchair.
3. The Motor Controller
The motor controller controls the wheelchair’s motors. It receives instructions from the speech recognition software and converts them into motor commands.
The controller also has a built-in safety system that prevents the wheelchair from moving if an obstacle is detected. Thus, the user is always devoid of harmful collision accidents.
If you’re an in-home caregiver, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your loved ones. The system will be in control.
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Feature 2. Obstacle Detection
There have been cases of handicapped people getting injured by collisions with objects. Such injuries worsen the already worse situation.
The wheelchair is equipped with an obstacle detection system to prevent accidents.
The obstacle detection system keeps the user safe from collisions. The system consists of sensors placed around the wheelchair.
These sensors scan the area around the wheelchair for obstacles. The motor controller will stop the wheelchair’s movement in case of an obstacle.
The obstacle detection system consists of two parts:
- The ultrasonic sensors
- The collision avoidance software
1. The Ultrasonic Sensors
The ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles in the path of the wheelchair. The sensors emit ultrasonic waves and measure the time it takes for the waves to bounce back.
These sensors use waves to direct the path of the wheelchair. So, it’s a safer option for users moving along busy streets.
The sensors also create a virtual map of the surroundings.
2. The Collision Avoidance Software
The collision avoidance software processes the data from the ultrasonic sensors. The software stops the wheelchair’s movement if an obstacle is detected.
The software also has a built-in safety system that prevents the wheelchair from moving if an obstacle is detected. Thus, users who cannot use their hands or legs to control the wheelchair are safe.
Feature 3. Health Monitoring
The health monitoring system monitors the user’s health. In case of an emergency, the system sends alerts to caregivers.
The health monitoring system consists of three parts:
- Sensors: Located around the wheelchair to measure the user’s heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
- Health monitoring software: Processes the data from the sensors. After processing, it determines whether they’re within the optimal range.
- Emergency alert system: It alerts caregivers if the processed information is out of the optimal range.
Controlling the Wheelchair
A user interface voice command controls the wheelchair. Users input reaction and verification control commands.
The reaction and verification commands prevent unauthorized people from using the wheelchair.
Conclusion
The design of the voice-controlled robotic wheelchair is a revolution in mobility. The wheelchair gives users the independence to move around without the help of caregivers.
The design also includes safety features that prevent accidents. The health monitoring system ensures that users are safe and healthy.
Resources
- 1. Shanmusundar G, Krishana AA, Anand SM, Kanna PK, Yamini A. Design and development of voice controlled robotic wheel chair for handicapped people. RECENT TRENDS IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 2022;
