Project Name: <<AI ASSISTED WHEEL-CHAIR>>

Members

ROHIT BHUNIA

SOURASHIS PAHARI

DIVYANSH VISHWAKARMA

Problem Statement:

Limited Mobility: Disabled people are not able to mobilize according to their own needs. They would not be able to climb stair-cases or would not able use the simple existing wheelchair through off-road (bad road conditions).​

Lack of Accessibility: The simple wheelchair is not accessible to all like for the people who the deaf and dumb or the people who cannot use their hands (physically roll wheels) or people who are blind.​

Safety concerns: Wheelchair users face safety concerns while navigating the environment. This includes falling over, tipping over or getting stuck, which can lead to injuries and accidents.​ Additionally a second person is always needed for the person for their navigation to different places.

Hygiene: Existing wheelchairs do not have any facility for easy hygiene. Another person is always needed for their help. Additionally, to make things worse the disabled person is displaced from form the wheelchair for hygiene purposes making it risky for the disabled person to get injured.​

Identification and Explanation of Problem Statement :

In the existing wheelchairs there is a great problem of mobility. The disabled people are not able to climb the stair-cases off-roads not suitable for even for walking. Using ramps for these cases become risky which might in some cases injure the disabled person. Additionally for these purposes other persons are required for helping and in the process that is also risky for those people who are helping as they also might get injured during the process.

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The existing wheelchair is not accessible for all the disabled. For example, people who are deaf and dumb or for the people who cannot use their hands. For these cases a second person is needed 24 hours for assistance (taking care).​

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The wheelchair users are not able to navigate on their own as they have to put manual force for operating it. Its also hard to operate the wheelchair in many places like some buildings which do not have any elevator facility or any walk through facility or might also happen in case of travelling through trains. The wheelchair is difficult to turn, stop, or move in certain directions, especially if the user is not properly trained to use it. Additionally in this case also a second person has to assist for the navigation of the disabled person.

A wheelchair is heavy and difficult to transport, which make it challenging for the user to travel to different locations or for caregivers to assist with transportation.

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In existing wheelchairs depending on the user's level of mobility and independence, they face challenges in performing personal hygiene tasks such as washing hands, brushing teeth, discharging of excrete, or bathing. In this case also a second person is always needed for assistance which is risky and might cause injuries to both the person. Additionally if the hygiene is not maintained properly, this may lead to a breeding ground for dirt, bacteria and germs causing serious health problems like skin infections and can also get cross contaminated which can spread infections to other people who come in contact with the wheelchair.

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Survey: This population survey provides a snapshot of the incidents that have occurred in the last few years and highlights the common causes of accidents.

The data for this survey was collected through a review of published studies, government reports, and news articles on accidents involving wheelchairs. The time frame for the survey is the last five years (2018-2022). The survey covers accidents that occurred in different settings, including public spaces, homes, and healthcare facilities. The survey also includes accidents that resulted in injuries or fatalities.

According to the data collected, accidents involving wheelchairs are relatively common. In the last five years, there have been several incidents reported in the media, including:

• In 2018, a woman in a wheelchair fell down an escalator at a train station and suffered serious injuries.
• In 2019, a man in a wheelchair was hit by a car while crossing the street and died from his injuries.
• In 2020, a child in a wheelchair fell into a swimming pool and nearly drowned.
• In 2021, a man in a wheelchair was trapped in a burning building and died from smoke inhalation.

The data also reveals some common causes of accidents in wheelchairs, including:

• Insufficient maintenance or malfunctioning of the wheelchair.
• Environmental hazards, such as uneven surfaces, stairs, and curbs.
• Lack of accessibility features in public spaces, such as ramps and elevators.
• User error, such as speeding or not using proper restraints.

Description of a creative solution to the issue identified.

This AI-based wheelchair utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance its functionality and provide greater independence and autonomy for individuals with physical disabilities. It will incorporate with advanced sensors, processors, and algorithms that enable the device to perceive, reason, and act in response to environmental and user inputs.

Using voice recognition and gesture control technology we will make it accessible to all kinds of disabled person as of he may be blind, dumb, deaf or might not be able to use his hands.

An app will be developed for capturing and reading voice commands which will also have the text-to-speech feature to make it audible.

Some key features our AI-based wheelchairs include:

1. Environmental awareness: AI-based wheelchairs use sensors and cameras to detect and avoid obstacles in their path, including pedestrians, furniture, and other obstacles.
2. User customization: AI-based wheelchairs can learn from the user's movements and adjust the settings accordingly to provide a smoother and more comfortable ride.
3. Gesture recognition: AI-based wheelchairs can recognize hand gestures and respond to them, allowing users to control the device without needing to use traditional joysticks or buttons.
4. Voice recognition: AI-based wheelchairs can also recognize voice commands, allowing users to control the device with their voice.
5. Navigation: AI-based wheelchairs can use GPS and other mapping technologies to navigate through unfamiliar environments and provide users with directions.

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Overall, this AI-based wheelchair has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities by providing greater independence and autonomy in mobility.

Description of the techniques and technology used in creative solutions to reach a specific goal.

The AI-based wheelchair project aims to develop a smart wheelchair system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assist people with disabilities in navigating their environment with greater ease and independence. The proposed system will use a combination of sensors, machine learning algorithms, and computer vision technology to detect obstacles, predict movements, and adjust the wheelchair's speed and direction based on the user's preferences.

The AI-based wheelchair will also be equipped with Reconfigurable Wheel Track (RWT), a morphing wheel system which can change the configuration of the wheels allowing the chair to quickly self-optimize as the terrain changes especially in case of hilly regions, off-roads and stair-cases.

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The system will be designed to improve safety and reduce the risk of collisions by automatically identifying and avoiding obstacles in the user's path. It will also incorporate personalized preferences and settings to provide a customized experience for each user, including preferred routes, speed, and acceleration.

The AI-based wheelchair will be controlled through voice commands received via android application. The integration of control unit with Bluetooth device is done to capture and read the voice commands. The wheelchair then operates as per the command received via android application. For this a microcontroller is integrated in the system which makes it possible to operate the vehicle via android application. The controlling device may be any android based Smartphone/tab etc. having an android OS. The android controlling system provides a good interactive GUI that makes it easy for the handicapped person to control the wheelchair. The transmitter uses an android application required for transmitting the data. The receiver end reads these commands and interprets them into controlling the robotic vehicle. The android device sends commands to move the wheelchair in forward, backward, right and left directions. After receiving the commands, the microcontroller then operates the motors in order to move it in four directions. The communication between android device and receiver is sent as serial communication data.

This project will also have a system to translate finger gesture into text and speech in order to make communication with our android system which will be receiving commands from the user to control the wheelchair. This would be more beneficial for the handicapped who also cannot speak. A data glove will be used to convey the finger gesture of a mute person. This glove will be a normal rubber or cloth glove, fitted with flex sensors along the length of each finger. Mute people can use the glove to perform hand gesture and same will be converted into text as well as speech. A small display will also be equipped so that is the person can easily read the converted message or if the person is blind, he/she can listen the converted message through the speaker or the earphones.

Describe the project's purpose and goals.

The goals of an AI-based wheelchair can vary depending on the specific design and features of the device. This AI-based wheelchair project has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing greater mobility and independence. It will also reduce the burden on caregivers and family members who currently assist with navigating the environment. The proposed system can be integrated into existing wheelchairs or developed as a standalone product, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The success of this project could pave the way for further innovations in AI-assisted mobility devices, and potentially revolutionize the way we think about disability and accessibility.

Some of the potential goals of an AI-based wheelchair may include:

1. Increased mobility: An AI-based wheelchair can be programmed to automatically avoid obstacles, navigate difficult terrain, and provide smoother and more efficient movement.
2. Improved safety: AI technology can be used to detect potential hazards and prevent accidents. For example, an AI-based wheelchair may have sensors that detect obstacles and automatically adjust the speed or direction of the device to avoid collisions.
3. Enhanced communication: Some AI-based wheelchairs will be equipped with speech recognition or natural language processing technology, which allows users to communicate with the device through voice commands.
4. Personalization: AI technology can be used to personalize the user experience of a wheelchair based on the specific needs and preferences of the individual. For example, the device may learn the user's preferred routes, adjust the seat height and position, or provide customized navigation instructions.
5. Improved accessibility: An AI-based wheelchair can be programmed to provide access to previously inaccessible areas, such as buildings without ramps or stairs. This can help to promote greater independence and participation in society for individuals with disabilities.

Prototype Model:

Morphing wheels (Reconfigurable Track Wheels) System

VALUE PROPOSITION

The value proposition of developing AI-based wheelchairs lies in the potential to enhance the user's mobility, autonomy, and quality of life. By incorporating AI algorithms and advanced sensors, AI-based wheelchairs can provide a range of benefits to users, caregivers, and healthcare providers, including:

• Enhanced mobility and autonomy: AI-based wheelchairs can adapt to the user's environment and physical state in real-time, making it easier for them to navigate their surroundings and perform daily activities with greater independence.
• Improved safety: AI-based wheelchairs can detect obstacles, uneven terrain, or other hazards in the user's path and make adjustments to avoid them, reducing the risk of falls or accidents.
• Personalized experience: AI-based wheelchairs can learn from the user's behaviour and preferences over time, adapting to their unique needs and providing a more personalized experience.
• Real-time health monitoring: AI-based wheelchairs can incorporate sensors to monitor the user's physical state, such as heart rate or body temperature, providing real-time data to caregivers or healthcare providers.
• Cost savings: AI-based wheelchairs can reduce the need for human assistance and support, which can help to reduce healthcare costs and improve the efficiency of care delivery.

Overall, the value proposition of developing AI-based wheelchairs lies in the potential to create a more adaptable, intelligent, and user-centric mobility solution for people with mobility impairments, improving their quality of life and independence while reducing the burden on caregivers and healthcare providers.

Feasibility of Solution:

The development of our AI-based wheelchair is not only feasible but is also currently underway. These intelligent wheelchair will use various AI technologies to enhance the mobility, safety, and comfort of people who rely on wheelchairs for their daily activities.

This AI-based wheelchair will be designed to operate autonomously or with minimal input from the user. This will be using computer vision and machine learning algorithms to detect and avoid obstacles, navigate through complex environments, and even predict user intentions.

This wheelchair will also have as system of reconfigurable wheel so that if could travel through hard terrain grounds such as stairs and off-roads, making it comfortable for the handicapped person in mobility. Additionally this chair will be having a navigation system which would guide the user to travel outside in traffic areas .

A manual joystick control will also be given o the right hand side to control the chair manually.

For blind people a voice assistance system will be developed so that the user can control through speech. For mute people we will develop a system of gesture recognition

Usability of the Solution

This AI-based wheelchair can provide several benefits for individuals with mobility impairments. Here are some of the key usability benefits of AI-based wheelchair:

1. Enhanced safety: AI can help improve safety by integrating sensors and other advanced technologies that can detect obstacles, anticipate collisions, and avoid accidents.
2. Customization: AI-based wheelchairs can be customized to fit the unique needs of individual users, such as adjusting the seat height, armrests, footrests, and other features.
3. Improved efficiency: AI-based wheelchairs can help improve efficiency by reducing the physical effort required to operate the wheelchair, allowing users to a comfortable mobility and reduce fatigue.
4. Better accessibility: An AI-based wheelchair can help improve accessibility by providing users with more accurate and efficient navigation capabilities, allowing them to move more freely and easily.
5. User-friendly: This chair can be used by people who are blind using voice assistance system and also for people who are mute using gesture recognition system.

Overall, an AI-based wheelchair has the potential to improve the lives of individuals with mobility impairments, providing them with greater independence, safety, and accessibility.

Expandability of the Solution

Developing an AI-based wheelchair involves creating a system that can help people with disabilities to move around more easily and efficiently. The solution is designed to address various challenges and requirements of users, such as obstacle avoidance, ease of control, comfort, and safety. There are several aspects to the expandability of such a solution, including:

• Hardware expandability: The wheelchair will be designed to accommodate hardware upgrades or additions to enhance its functionality. For example, it may be necessary to add sensors, cameras, or actuators to improve the obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities.
• Software expandability: The AI-based wheelchair solution will be designed to allow for software upgrades or additions to improve its performance or add new features. For example, new algorithms may be developed to improve the accuracy of obstacle detection or the speed of response to user commands.

• Integration expandability: The solution will be designed to allow for easy integration with other systems or devices. For example, the wheelchair should be able to communicate with other assistive technologies such as voice-controlled assistants, smart home devices, or wearable sensors.
• Customization expandability: The solution will be designed to allow for customization based on the specific needs of individual users. For example, the wheelchair may need to be adjusted to accommodate different body types or specific mobility limitations.
• Data expandability: The solution will be designed to allow for data collection and analysis to improve its performance over time. For example, data collected from sensors or cameras can be used to train machine learning algorithms that can improve the accuracy of obstacle detection or predict user preferences.

Business Model :

• What is the proposed selling price of your product/ service?
• Where does the potential sources of revenue come from?
• How is this initiative able to sustain financially? Or what is the value of your product on offer?
• What are the major costs? Who are the users? Who will pay and how much?

Go To Market Plan/ Growth Strategy :

• What is your marketing strategy?
• Who are your competitors?
• How do you plan to reach your first batch of customers? (if you are pre-launched)
• If you have publicly launched, how many customers have your acquired and retained? What is your growth target for next year?

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Advantages & Disadvantages:

There are several advantages to using an AI-based wheelchair, including:

1. Increased independence: AI-based wheelchairs can give users greater control over their mobility, allowing them to move around more freely and independently.
2. Enhanced safety: AI-based wheelchairs can be equipped with sensors and algorithms that help prevent accidents and collisions, making them safer to use.
3. Personalized experience: AI-based wheelchairs can learn from their users' preferences and behaviour, and adapt to their needs, providing a personalized experience that can improve the user's quality of life.
4. Improved efficiency: AI-based wheelchairs can optimize their movements and routes, avoiding obstacles and taking the most efficient path to their destination, saving time and energy.
5. Manual control: AI-based wheelchairs can be remotely controlled, allowing caregivers or family members to assist users in navigating their environment or even using the wheelchair themselves.
6. Voice assistance: Useful for blind people who can use it through speech.
7. Gesture recognition: Useful for mute people who can use it by implying hand gestures which the system would recognize and act accordingly.

Overall, AI-based wheelchairs offer a range of benefits that can improve the quality of life for users, providing greater independence, safety, and efficiency.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the AI-based wheelchair project has shown immense potential to improve the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments. The project leverages machine learning algorithms and computer vision technologies to enable the wheelchair to navigate its surroundings autonomously, avoid obstacles, and respond to voice commands.

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The success of this project is a testament to the power of AI technologies in solving real-world problems and improving accessibility for people with disabilities. The project has demonstrated that AI-based solutions can have a significant impact on the lives of individuals with mobility impairments, empowering them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

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Moving forward, further research and development in this area could result in even more advanced AI-based wheelchair technologies that can adapt to changing environments and improve safety and comfort for users. With continued innovation and collaboration between researchers, engineers, and medical professionals, the potential for AI-based solutions to revolutionize mobility and accessibility for individuals with disabilities is truly exciting.

Thank You