Robotic wheelchairs

Abstract

Robotic wheelchairs are assistive navigation systems for people with limited mobility. A big number of the people with limited mobility find it extremely difficult or impossible to use conventional wheelchairs independently. To improve the mobility of this population, technologies that have been developed for mobile robots are currently being applied to develop "robotic wheelchairs" that are able to navigate safely and reliably. These wheelchairs offer the independency and autonomy needed to people with needs. Cost and complexity are the factors that keep robotic wheelchairs from being widely used. This article presents a summary of the technologies of the current state of the art and directions for future research.