A novel multipurpose smart wheelchair

In this paper we propose an intelligent wheelchair which can assist physically handicapped, visually impaired as well as elderly people. Elderly and physically challenged people often find themselves unable to do their daily routine work without other's help. In today's fast world where people don't have enough time for others, elderly and physically challenged people need to be independent. Our wheelchair is developed with a view to serve the purpose. It consists of a navigation system which makes use of accelerometer and magnetometer, the system contains a navigation pad which can be held in hand or tied to the head for navigating the chair. It also has obstacle avoidance system comprising of four ultrasonic sensors, real time location tracking system which makes use of RFID for tracking the chair inside a building and voice guidance system to assist the visually impaired. Thus, it is a multipurpose intelligent wheelchair which is cost-effective and can assist people in their daily work.

I. Introduction

Wheelchair is one of the most commonly used assistive devices for enhancing the personal mobility of people with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization an estimated 1% of the world's population or just over 65 million people need a wheelchair. Over 6.1 million people in India have movement related disability.