Voice-Controlled Wheelchair for Children in Underserved Regions (#2403)

Authors

Guardia Medina, Jeniffer Cristina

Gutierrez Escudero, Karla Sofia

Abstract

This project aims to create a cost-effective, voice-controlled smart wheelchair that will increase independence and improve the quality of life for children who experience mobility challenges in underserved regions in Latin America. The goal of creating a smart wheelchair with intelligent voice control incorporated is to provide an innovative, efficient, and user-friendly mobility solution with key features such as safety, obstacle avoidance, and customization that will ensure a secure experience, ultimately improving ease of navigation and reducing physical strain for users. First, the incorporated sensors check for obstacle clearance before allowing users to speak the integrated commands. After no obstacles have been detected, the voice recognition module will execute the programmed commands. The smart, voice-controlled wheelchair integrates a lightweight PVC and mild steel chassis and a lead-acid battery that powers the motors based on voice commands to ensure cost-effectiveness and user safety for a seamless operation. This project will directly impact how children with quadriplegia —complete loss of function in all four limbs—can improve their way of living and shall expand the patient’s mobility to move with ease around different environments by providing freedom to move for more than 10 hours uninterrupted at standard operating time.