A review on smart robotic wheelchairs with advancing mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities

Abstract

This research paper presents a comprehensive review of smart robotic wheelchairs and their impact on enhancing mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities. Traditional wheelchairs often impose limitations on users, resulting in reduced freedom of movement and limited accessibility. The emergence of smart robotic wheelchairs offers a promising solution to address these challenges. This paper provides an overview of wheelchair technology, identifies the specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and explores the advantages and limitations of smart robotic wheelchairs through a review of previous research studies. The features and functionalities of smart robotic wheelchairs, including navigation and obstacle avoidance capabilities, autonomous and semi-autonomous modes, and customizable control options, are discussed. User experience and performance evaluation, along with the impact on mobility and independence, are examined. The paper concludes with future directions and recommendations to guide further research and development in this important field, aiming to empower individuals with disabilities and improve their quality of life.

Design of an Assisted Driving System for Obstacle Avoidance Based on Reinforcement Learning Applied to Electrified Wheelchairs

“…However, when a user is onboard, this behavior is perceived as a sudden and unpredictable change in direction, potentially leading to uncomfortable and even dangerous situations, such as overturning. Consequently, significant modifications are necessary for traditional algorithms to address these issues, adding complexity to the solution [72][73][74][75][76][77]. With the increasing popularity and capabilities of deep learning methods, there has been a development of robot navigation methods utilizing neural networks.…”