Wheelchair Project

The MIT Intelligent wheelchairs Project
Developing a voice-commandable robotic wheelchair

Vision: Designing Smart Wheelchairs of the Future
New engineering developments offer opportunities to develop smart wheelchair assistive technology that can improve the lives of many people who use wheelchairs. In our work, we are designing tomorrow's intelligent wheelchairs: we are developing a voice-commandable intelligent wheelchair that is aware of its surroundings so that it can assist its user in a variety of tasks.

The goal of this smart wheelchair project is to enhance an ordinary powered wheelchair using sensors to perceive the wheelchair's surroundings, a speech interface to interpret commands, a wireless device for room-level location determination, and motor-control software to effect the wheelchair's motion.

The robotic wheelchair learns the layout of its environment (hospital, rehabilitation center, home, etc.) through a narrated, guided tour given by the user or the user's caregivers. Subsequently, the wheelchair can move to any previously-named location under voice command (e.g., "Take me to the cafeteria"). This technology is appropriate for people who have lost mobility due to brain injury or the loss of limbs, but who retain speech. The technology can also enhance safety for users who use ordinary joystick-controlled powered wheelchairs, by preventing collisions with walls, fixed objects, furniture and other people.

We envision that a voice-commandable wheelchair could improve the quality of life and safety of tens of thousands of users. Moreover, considerable health improvements and cost savings could accrue through the reduction or elimination of collision-induced injuries such as wounds and broken limbs. We are currently working closely with at The Boston Home, a specialized-care residence for adults with multiple sclerosis and other progressive neurological conditions. Our efforts are inspired and motivated by the insights, feedback, and needs of The Boston Home's residents, staff, and family members.

Our team of faculty, students, and researchers come from several departments (Aeronautics and Astronautics; Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Engineering Systems Division) and laboratories (the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and the MIT AgeLab) from across MIT. Our efforts in developing this intelligent wheelchair span multiple domains, including robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, human computer interaction and user interface design, speech recognition systems, and the role of technology for people with disabilities and people who are getting older.

Wheelchair Project

History of the Wheelchair

The first dedicated wheelchairs was made for Phillip II of Spain.

It is uncertain as to what can be considered the first wheelchair, or who invented it. The first known dedicated wheelchair (invented in 1595 and called an invalids chair) was made for Phillip II of Spain by an unknown inventor. In 1655, Stephen Farfler, a paraplegic watchmaker, built a self-propelling chair on a three wheel chassis.

The Bath WheelchairIn 1783, John Dawson of Bath, England, invented a wheelchair named after the town of Bath. Dawson designed a chair with two large wheels and one small one. The Bath wheelchair outsold all other wheelchairs throughout the early part of the 19th century.

Late 1800sHowever, the Bath wheelchair was not that comfortable and during the last half of the 19th century many improvements were made to wheelchairs. An 1869 patent for a wheelchair showed the first model with rear push wheels and small front casters. Between, 1867 to 1875, inventors added new hollow rubber wheels similar to those used on bicycles on metal rims. In 1881, the pushrims for added self-propulsion were invented.

The 1900sIn 1900, the first spoked wheels were used on wheelchairs. In 1916, the first motorized wheelchair was manufactured in London.

History of the Wheelchair

wheelchair specifications

These are very important information to consider when purchasing a wheelchairs,the specifications of a wheelchair that you will buy depends on the posture and conditions of the intended user. The height, posture, weight and the structure of the intended user is very important in making the best decision as per the information provided by the dealer or manufacturer of the chair. Some of such information are discussed below, take note of this specifications as you will need the knowledge when ordering a wheelchair..

Specifications : Seat Width: This can range anywhere from 14" to 30 inches , in some cases it has to be custom designed. This should not be confused with space between the arms. You should measure the patient bottom in the back when sitting on a flat surface.

Specifications : Space Between Arms: This is a very important piece of information as it determines whether the user can actually fit into the wheelchair, you can measure any chair that the intended user uses currently, measure it from arm to arm and this should be what you should look for in any wheelchair you are purchasing online. Remember you won't be trying it before buying so becareful to make sure you get everything right.

Specifications : Seat Depth: The height of the user is very important when considering the depth of the chair, this is measured from the front of the seat to the back. You can use any chair at home that the user is already comfortable in to determine any of the specifications including seat depth.Or you measure the users back of buttocks to inside of knee when in seating position on a flat surface.
Specifications : Seat To Floor Height: This is measured from the floor to the seat, if it is too short the the users leg might be dragging on the floor while in use likewise if it is too long, the leg will be dangling so as you can see it has to be approximately perfect fit.If the user will be propelling the chair with their feet it is important to let the measurement refect this, in this case the patient feet must be able to touch the floor while sitting comfortably on the wheelchair.

Specifications : Back Height: Measured from to of back upholstery to bottom, normally measured from inside wheelchair, this is also very important information you will need. Measure user from the top of his/her shoulder to the bottom of the back side.

Click the wheelchairs accessories and specifications image to learn more

This information is provided for educational purposes only, we will not be responsible for any use or misuse of the advice so provided, it is better to consult your physician to determine the best wheelchair and also visit a local dealer to actually try one before buying online.
Specifications : Arm Style: There is full arm and desk arm, there is also fixed and removable the desk arm is those half arm that you see, this is good especially if you will be moving closer to doors, tables and others things. The full arm is the traditional arm you see in wheelchairs. Pictured in photo gallery.

Accessories : Anti-Tipper Generally in the back of the wheelchair, between the two wheels and within reacher of the caregiveres feet, it help to prevent the wheelchair from tipping over especially for someone who self-propell, it can also be used as a Large Step Tube to help direct and control the wheelchair especially when climbing curbs.

Specifications : Product Weight:
The actual weight of the wheelchair with or without the legrest, most lightweight wheelchairs are about 36 LB.

Specifications : Folding:
Folding on non folding wheelchair determines whether you will be able to transport this around in a car or fold it for easy storage.

wheelchair specifications

Wheelchairs for Warriors

Wwheelchairs for Warriors Program assists severely disabled veterans with the opportunity to participate in the journey of a marathon with the assistance of a willing runner or runners to push them through the event.  The completion of a marathon is an accomplishment of a lifetime and often fullfills a journey of  spiritual healing.

This programs efforts are focused on disabled veterans whose injuries are so severe they cannot compete alone.  These veterans have likely suffered a fully paralyzing or brain injury of a debilitating, and grievious nature.

Wheelchairs for Warriors

Wheelchair Users and Exercise

For wheelchairsusers exercise is vital to health. Making time amongst the continual struggle of balancing ones life may be difficult but it is not impossible. Working out and balanced nutrition go hand in hand.
Many people are simply not naturally attracted towards physical exercise. For wheelchair users there may be a real and understandable fear of pain.People confined to a chair are all too familiar with shoulder, neck and back strain and it's associated pain.

But the benefits must be firmly borne in mind. Structured physical activity will strengthen the core muscles, improve balance and circulation, improve the quality of sleep and help with digestion.

In addition the person will feel and look better. There will also be some relief of musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, cramps and stiffness.Aerobic work strengthens the heart and lungs and in conjunction with a diet will assist weight loss. Additional benefits are a lessening of the risk of such disabilities as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and osteoporosis.

One aspect of regular exercise which cannot be over-emphasized is its importance in maintaining good emotional health. Wheelchair users (like anyone else) feel angry, depressed, frustrated and confused. Regular workouts will help to fight depression.

As one wheelchair user puts it "If you can move something you can exercise." This is not to suggest that forming new positive habits as an adult is easy.

Increasing numbers of wheelchair users are adopting exercise plans. Young people especially can see that in some instances it is possible to be in a wheelchair and have a strong, healthy body.

Wheelchair Users and Exercise