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Control interfaces for wheelchair mobility

Abstract:

Technology allows the development of products that help improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. In the Inclusion, Social Equity, and Gender Unit of the Technical University of Manabí, there are three registered students with muscular dystrophy, who need to move autonomously. The objective of this research was to evaluate interfaces for the mobility of a wheelchair. The experimental method was applied and observation was used to identify the requirements based on the needs of students with muscular dystrophy within the university and at home and establish the mechanical, electronic, and interface components. From the evaluations of the interfaces, a prototype was developed at a lower cost than those existing in the current market and with the transport facilities of a traditional wheelchair. A mechanical and electronic system was designed with an Arduino UNO board, Bluetooth module, cell phone microphone, step electric motors, motor control drivers, and batteries, among other equipment, and for this, an application with an Android Studio interface was developed. The motors produce the appropriate movements using a voice command module, so the person with muscular dystrophy can go in any direction they want: forward, backward, left, right, or stop. It is concluded that the voice command interface is the one with the least margin of error for people with muscular dystrophy because they do not have the strength to handle a joystick or press buttons.