JIMMA UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Title: Enhancing Mobility: A Smart Wheelchair with Sensor-Based Obstacle
Detection, Adjustable Seating, and Real-Time Feedback for Individuals with
Mobility Impairments

GROUP MEMBER NAME ID NO

1. BEDASO ENDALE……………………………………….. RU2426/13
2. KALKIDAN TAKELE……………………………………… RU2906/13
3. MISBAH ALI………………………………………………… RU1915/13
4. YOHANNES TESFI …………………………………………RU0381/13
5. FENAN ZEINU ………………………………………………RU3394/13
1. Introduction
The advancement of assistive technologies plays a pivotal role in addressing the everyday
challenges faced by individuals with mobility impairments. In contemporary society, there is a
growing need for innovative solutions that not only provide increased mobility for individuals
with impairments, but also enhance their overall quality of life.

This document outlines a transformative project aimed at developing a Smart Wheelchair with
Sensor-Based Obstacle Detection, Adjustable Seating, and Real-Time Feedback. The proposed
smart wheelchair seeks to address existing gaps in traditional wheelchair designs by integrating
advanced sensor technologies and customizable seating features to empower individuals with
mobility impairments.

The introduction of the Smart Wheelchair Project represents a significant step toward providing
users with an enhanced level of safety, comfort, and independence in their daily lives. Through a
comprehensive analysis of scientific literature and emerging trends in assistive technologies, this
project endeavors to offer a cutting-edge solution that addresses the unique needs and challenges
faced by individuals with mobility impairments.

By ensuring effective obstacle detection, customizable seating adjustments, and real-time

feedback, the smart wheelchair aims to revolutionize the mobility experience for individuals with
impairments, opening the door to improved accessibility, autonomy, and well-being.

Through this innovative project, we endeavor to make a profound impact on the lives of
individuals with mobility impairments, ultimately providing them with a greater sense of
freedom and confidence as they navigate their environments.
2. Problem Statement
Individuals with mobility impairments face significant challenges in their daily lives, as their
ability to navigate their surroundings and maintain comfortable seating positions is often
hindered. Existing wheelchair technologies have several deficiencies that impact the quality of
life for users, exacerbating these challenges and limiting their independence.

 Mobility Challenges: Individuals with mobility impairments often encounter obstacles

and barriers that impede their movement and hinder their ability to access various
environments. The lack of effective obstacle detection systems in traditional wheelchairs
poses safety risks and limits the users' freedom to navigate independently.

 Seating Limitations: Many wheelchair users experience discomfort and inadequate

support due to the limited adjustability and customization options available in
conventional wheelchair seating. This can lead to poor posture, pressure ulcers, and
musculoskeletal issues, significantly affecting their overall well-being.

 Lack of Real-Time Feedback: Existing wheelchairs often lack real-time feedback

mechanisms that provide users with crucial information about their surroundings, such as
proximity to obstacles or potential hazards. This absence of immediate feedback
compromises user safety and limits their ability to make timely adjustments.
3. Gap analysis
3.1 Gap in Meeting User Requirements
The identified gap in meeting user requirements highlights the urgent need for innovative
wheelchair technologies that address these limitations. Despite advancements in the field,
traditional wheelchairs fail to adequately address key needs and expectations, limiting users'
mobility, comfort, and independence. Specifically, there is a gap in the following areas:

1. Mobility and Maneuverability: Current wheelchairs have limitations in mobility and

maneuverability, making it difficult for users to navigate tight spaces, uneven terrain,
and slopes. These challenges restrict their access to different locations and hinder their
full participation in daily activities.
2. Customization and Postural Support: Traditional wheelchairs lack sufficient
customization options to accommodate diverse body types and individual preferences.
Users often face difficulties in adjusting seat height, tilt, and backrest angle, resulting in
compromised posture, discomfort, and an increased risk of pressure sores. The lack of
personalized support negatively impacts users' overall well-being and long-term health.
3. Safety Features: Existing wheelchairs lack adequate safety features, including stability
control, braking systems, and anti-tip mechanisms, which increase the risk of accidents
and compromise user safety and confidence. Improved safety measures are urgently
needed to address these concerns.
4. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Wheelchair accessibility remains a persistent challenge in
various environments, limiting independence and social participation for users. Existing
wheelchairs often struggle with narrow doorways, ramps, and accessibility standards.
This lack of inclusivity hampers users' mobility and engagement in society.
5. User Interface and Controls: The current state of wheelchair technology often presents
complex and non-intuitive control systems, making it challenging for individuals with
limited dexterity or cognitive impairments to operate their wheelchairs independently.
User-friendly interfaces and simplified controls are necessary for a seamless and
empowering user experience.
3.2 Gap in assistive technologies
There exists a significant gap between the current state of wheelchair technology and the
requirements for enhanced mobility and independence for individuals with mobility
impairments. While traditional wheelchairs serve as essential mobility aids, they often fall short
in meeting the evolving needs and aspirations of users. This gap can be emphasized by
highlighting the following aspects:

1. Limited Mobility Capabilities: Traditional wheelchairs have inherent limitations that

restrict users' mobility and independence. These limitations include difficulties in
maneuvering tight spaces, navigating uneven terrain, and handling slopes or curbs. The
current technology fails to provide the necessary features and functionalities to overcome
these mobility challenges effectively.
2. Insufficient Customization Options: Personalized comfort and support are crucial for
individuals with mobility impairments who spend a significant amount of time in their
wheelchairs. However, traditional wheelchairs offer limited customization options, such
as seat height, tilt, and backrest angle adjustments. This lack of adaptability hampers the
ability to achieve optimal posture, pressure redistribution, and overall comfort.
3. Inadequate Safety Measures: Safety is a paramount concern for wheelchair users, yet
traditional wheelchairs often lack robust safety features. Insufficient stability control
mechanisms, inadequate anti-tip systems, and unreliable braking can increase the risk of
accidents and falls, compromising user safety and confidence.
4. Accessibility Challenges: Accessibility and inclusivity remain persistent challenges for
individuals with mobility impairments. Traditional wheelchairs may face hurdles in terms
of accessing public transportation, navigating through narrow doorways, or utilizing
ramps and lifts. This limits users' ability to fully participate in social, educational, and
professional activities, impeding their independence and integration into society.
5. Complex and Non-Intuitive Controls: The control systems and interfaces of traditional
wheelchairs can be complex and non-intuitive, posing challenges for individuals with
limited dexterity or cognitive impairments. Difficulties in understanding and operating
these controls hinder user independence and may require additional assistance for
wheelchair navigation.
3.3 Implementation Gap
The implementation gap refers to the discrepancy that arises between the intended design or
concept of a smart wheelchair and its actual realization or practical implementation. This gap
arises due to various challenges and limitations encountered during the process of translating the
design into a functional and operational smart wheelchair. Key aspects of the implementation
gap include:

1. Material Selection and Compatibility: Choosing appropriate materials that meet the
required specifications and standards for the smart wheelchair can pose challenges.
Factors such as durability, weight, strength, and compatibility with other components
need to be considered. The availability and suitability of materials can impact the
successful implementation of the smart wheelchair design.
2. Manufacturing Processes and Techniques: Implementing a smart wheelchair involves
applying manufacturing processes to fabricate components and assemble them into a
functional unit. Challenges include selecting efficient and cost-effective methods,
ensuring quality control, and meeting production timelines.
3. Technical Feasibility and Integration: Implementing the desired features of the smart
wheelchair may face technical hurdles. Compatibility, power requirements, data
processing, and communication protocols must be carefully considered to integrate
sensors, control systems, and advanced technologies. Overcoming these challenges is
crucial for successful implementation.
4. Performance and Reliability: The implementation gap also encompasses achieving the
desired performance and reliability of the smart wheelchair. This includes meeting user
requirements for mobility, maneuverability, customization, safety, and accessibility.
Ensuring that the implemented design fulfills these requirements and performs reliably
over time is essential.
5. Cost and Affordability: The implementation of a smart wheelchair needs to strike a
balance between incorporating advanced features and technologies while remaining cost-
effective and affordable for users. Managing the costs associated with research,
development, production, and distribution is crucial to ensure wider accessibility and
adoption of the smart wheelchair.
4. Concept Of Smart Wheelchair
The Smart Wheelchair represents a significant advancement in mobility aids, offering individuals
with mobility impairments a technologically advanced and user-centered solution that enhances
their independence, comfort, and overall well-being. Its sensor-based obstacle detection,
adjustable seating mechanism, and real-time feedback features contribute to an improved quality
of life, increased autonomy, and enhanced safety.

By incorporating a sensor-based obstacle detection system, the Smart Wheelchair enables users
to navigate their environment with greater confidence and reduced risk of accidents or collisions.
This promotes enhanced mobility, allowing individuals to engage in daily activities, access
public spaces, and participate in social interactions more easily.

The adjustable seating mechanism of the Smart Wheelchair provides users with the ability to
customize their seating position, ensuring optimal comfort, support, and posture. This feature
reduces the risk of pressure sores and discomfort associated with prolonged wheelchair use,
promoting overall well-being and quality of life.

One of the key benefits of the Smart Wheelchair is its ability to increase independence. The
sensor-based obstacle detection system allows the wheelchair to navigate autonomously,
minimizing the need for constant vigilance and assistance from caregivers or attendants. Users
can confidently move through their environment, making decisions and adjustments based on
real-time feedback and the wheelchair's intelligent control system. The adjustable seating
mechanism further empowers individuals to maintain comfortable and ergonomic postures,
reducing the need for external adjustments and assistance.

The Smart Wheelchair also prioritizes user safety. The sensor-based obstacle detection system
provides real-time feedback on objects or obstacles in the wheelchair's path, enabling timely
adjustments and avoiding potential collisions. The real-time feedback feature ensures users have
crucial information about the wheelchair's performance, battery life, and system diagnostics,
enabling them to proactively address any issues or potential risks.