Smart wheelchairs are designed to significantly enhance the mobility, safety, and independence of physically disabled individuals by integrating modern technologies and intelligent control systems. These systems combine advanced communication technologies, smart sensors, and automated mechanisms to provide efficient and safe navigation in different environments. Obstacle detection is achieved using ultrasonic sensors, which continuously monitor the surroundings and help prevent collisions by alerting the system or stopping movement when necessary. Additionally, MPU sensors (such as MPU6050) are used to monitor tilt, orientation, and motion, ensuring stability and reducing the risk of accidents caused by imbalance or uneven surfaces. The wheelchair can be operated through a user-friendly joystick interface, allowing smooth manual control, while alternative control methods such as voice commands, and mobile application inputs provide flexibility and accessibility for users with varying abilities. At the core of the system, the ESP32 microcontroller processes sensor data in real time and controls the movement of the wheelchair efficiently. The integration of Firebase cloud technology enables data storage. Mobile application also includes AI-based voice feedback to inform users about movements such as forward, backward, left, and right, as well as warnings about detected obstacles. Overall, the system is designed to be user-friendly, energy-efficient, and adaptable to various environments including homes, hospitals, and outdoor areas. By promoting safety, autonomy, and inclusivity, the smart wheelchair contributes to improving the overall quality of life for differently-abled individuals.
Patil et al. (Fri,) studied this question.