Architectural concepts of a semi-autonomous wheelchair

A new smart, sensor-assisted wheelchair system for the vocational rehabilitation of people with severe and multiple handicap has been developed in the research project OMNI within the CEC TIDE programme. The project finished in December 1996. The objective of the project was the development of an advanced wheelchair with omnidirectional manoeuvrability and navigational intelligence that is well suited for vocational rehabilitation. It provides an opportunity of intuitive wheelchair control to people with severe physical or multiple (incl. mental) handicap. Cramped offices are made accessible by the small outline, high mobility and navigational support of the chair. The user's safety and driving accuracy are guaranteed by a novel sensor system and navigation modules. A wide range of control devices can be used with the adaptable human-machine interface which also controls environmental devices. Within this project, the user focused principle has strongly been followed (this includes the involvement of users from the preparatory work to the evaluation of the results).