Assistive Robotics - Wheelchairs

The term 'disabled' is used to describe a person that has some form of impairment, either physical or mental, that interferes with the activities of daily life. There are many causes for disabilities and many different degrees of disability. Accident, disease, or genetic problems can all lead to disabilities. Many disabilities limit the physical activity that a person can perform. This is where technology can help provide tools to assist with daily activities. We have glasses to help those who have vision problems, hearing aides for the deaf, speech synthesizers for those who can't talk, and wheelchairs, crutches, and canes for those with problems walking or getting around. There are over 35 million people in the United States with some form of disability. People who have limited mobility may not have access to many buildings and houses. Since the 1970's the U.S. has provided aides to people who have disabilities, especially those who can't walk. There are ramps installed in public places and toilets that are wide enough for wheelchairs. But there are still many problems for people with disabilities. New inventions utilizing robotics would help the many people with disabilities live better lives.

"wheelchair, noun, a chair mounted on wheels. It is used especially by invalids and can be propelled by the person sitting in the chair." World Book Dictionary

The wheelchair was invented to help people who cannot walk. It is their means of transportation. Lots of different people use wheelchairs. People who have back injuries, some born without the use of their legs, and even older people who just aren't strong enough to walk all benefit from the use of a wheelchair. People who have had surgery or are sick use a wheelchair temporarily People who are confined to a wheelchairs permanently sometimes use them to play sports such as in the Special Olympics.

Just how does a wheelchair work. Very simply, it is a chair with wheels that can be pushed by someone else or propelled by the rider. Modern wheelchairs have large wheels in the back that can be pushed with your hands and two small wheels in the front than can turn. The chair is turned by pushing one wheel faster than the other much like the small robots with differential drive, one motor for each wheel. Motorized wheelchairs run on batteries and are often controlled with a joystick, levers or buttons.

Many people across the world are confined to wheelchairs. New technologies could benefit them.