Annex-FYP-A

Department of Electrical Engineering

Final Year Project form

Section – 1

1.1 Project Identification

Reference Number:

Project Title:
Smart Hybrid Wheelchair

Project Supervisor
Name: Dr. Aqsa Shabbir
Designation: Assistant Professor
Organization: Lahore College for Women University
Mobile # : +92 321 4497734 Tel. # :
Email: aqsa.shabbir@lcwu.edu.pk

Project Co-Supervisor
Name: Dr. Ali Hussain Kazim
Designation: Director Automotive Engineering Center
Organization: University Of Engineering And Technology
Mobile # : 0321-4939187 Tel. # :
Email:
Contact Person:(If different from Co-Supervisor.)
Name: N\A
Designation:
Organization:
Mobile # : Tel. # :
Email:
Co-Supervisor Organization
(Please indicate the name, address, telephone and fax of the Principal Investigator’s
Organization. The Principal Investigator should belong to this organization.)
Name:
Address:
Tel. # : Fax # :
Website:

What technology is core to your product?(Please mark X where applicable)

[ ] 3D/4D Printing [ ] Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality
[ ] Big Data, Artificial Intelligence [ ] Blockchain
[ ] Cloud [ ] Neurotech
[ X] Robotics [ ] Shared economy
[ ] The Internet of Things [X] Wearables, Implantables
[ ] Others
(specify):

What is the target market(s) for the products?(Please mark X where applicable)
[ ] Automotive, aviation, marine [ ] Business, marketing, finance
[ ] Defence, security, safety [ ] Education and training
[ ] Environment, water management [ ] Entertainment, tourism, sport/recreation
[ ] Food, livestock, agribusiness [X] Healthcare
[ ] Infrastructure, housing & transport [ ] Mining equipment technology & services
[ ] Oil, gas, energy [ ] Telecommunication
[ ] Textiles, clothing, footwear
[ ]Others (specify):

Industrial Organizations:
# Organization Name Role / Contribution
1. N/A

2.

Academic Organizations:
# Organization Name Role / Contribution
1. N/A
2.

Funding Organizations:
# Organization Name Role / Contribution
1. N/A

2.

Other Organizations:
# Organization Name Role / Contribution
1. N/A
2.

Key Words:
smart wheelchair, hand gesture, solar panel, DC motors, accelerometer, healthcare .

Research and Development Theme:

Cost-effective smart wheelchair using solar panel , Designed to assist people who are unable to
walk.

Project Status:
[ ] New [X] Modification to previous Project
[ ] Extension of existing project

Project Duration: 12 months

Proposed Budget: 95,450 PKR

The Problem:
Technical, regulatory, and accessibility barriers is a multifaceted challenge. The project
acknowledges the need for compliance with safety standards and regulations, as well as the
importance of creating a wheelchair that is accessible to individuals with varying degrees of
mobility impairments.
The project aims to address the challenges associated with developing a cost-effective smart
wheelchair integrated with solar panels, focusing on optimizing solar energy utilization,
ensuring affordability, enhancing user-centric design, implementing advanced safety features,
and overcoming technical, regulatory, and accessibility barriers for a sustainable and accessible
mobility solution.
Following are some of the well-known (identify the best known if possible) existing
solutions to this problem. Their known strengths and weaknesses are also provided.
developments and some notable innovations in the broader field of electric mobility and
assistive technology. Here are a few areas where advancements have been made:

Solar-Powered Wheelchairs: Some wheelchair prototypes and projects have integrated solar
panels to augment battery power. While not fully self-sufficient, they can extend battery life.

Electric Wheelchairs with IoT Features: There are electric wheelchairs with smart features
such as connectivity to mobile devices, navigation assistance, and remote monitoring, though
these may not necessarily include solar panels.

Electric Mobility Devices with Solar Charging: Some electric scooters and bicycles have
incorporated solar panels into their design for supplementary charging, showcasing the potential
for solar-assisted mobility.

Our solution will address the following weaknesses of above mentioned solutions.
Here are some common weaknesses associated with integrating solar panels into wheelchairs or
similar mobility devices:
Weather Dependence: Solar energy generation is weather-dependent, and variations in sunlight
intensity due to weather conditions can impact the wheelchair's performance.
Weight and Portability: Adding solar panels may increase the weight of the wheelchair,
potentially affecting its portability and ease of use.
Cost Considerations: Integrating solar panels into wheelchairs while maintaining affordability
is a significant challenge. High material and production costs could limit the widespread
adoption of such solutions.

We will use the following techniques to achieve improvements mentioned above.

Here are potential techniques to improve the weaknesses mentioned:

Enhanced Solar Panel Efficiency: Invest in research and development to improve the
efficiency of solar panels, allowing for better energy harvesting even with limited surface area.

Weather-Adaptive Energy Management: Implement energy management systems that adapt

to varying weather conditions, optimizing power usage during periods of limited sunlight.

Lightweight and High-Efficiency Materials: Explore lightweight and high-efficiency

materials for the construction of the wheelchair frame and components to offset the added
weight from solar panels.

Synopsis:
The "Smart Wheelchair Using Solar Panel" project aims to revolutionize assistive mobility by
seamlessly integrating solar power. Prioritizing affordability, the project focuses on cost-
effective materials and manufacturing processes, ensuring accessibility. The wheelchair boasts
adaptive seating, customizable interfaces, and advanced safety features, aiming to cater to
diverse user needs. Technological innovation, scalability, and regulatory compliance are key
aspects, complemented by continuous user feedback and comprehensive training programs for
seamless adoption. With a commitment to sustainability, the project conducts a life cycle
assessment, aiming to redefine assistive mobility with an eco-friendly, user-centric, and cost-
effective solar-powered smart wheelchair.
Section – 2

2.1 Background
Scope of the Project:
The project aims to integrate cutting-edge solar panel technology for optimized energy
utilization while prioritizing user comfort through features like adaptive seating and
customizable interfaces. Affordability is a key focus, with an exploration of cost-effective
materials and manufacturing processes. Scalability in production is considered to increase the
availability of solar-powered wheelchairs. Regulatory compliance ensures safety, while
comprehensive user training programs facilitate seamless adoption. Sustainability efforts
include a life cycle assessment, and continuous user feedback informs iterative design
improvements. Integration of IoT enhances smart capabilities, and customization options ensure
inclusivity. The project addresses market research, public awareness, and accessibility to
deliver a well-rounded, user-friendly, and sustainable solar-powered smart wheelchair.

Literature Review:

In earlier years, there were normal wheelchairs which needed caretaker to move and control that
wheelchair. It only had the potential to manually move the wheelchair. If there was no
caretaker, then user could move the wheels using his/her own hands. But for the people with
multiple disability who cannot give much pressure on hand, it is not suitable option for them.
Nevertheless, this kind of wheelchair is used in this era also because many people cannot afford
smart or electric wheelchair. Continuous research is carried on and many researches already
have been made regarding wheelchair development, some of them are mentioned below: T.
Saharia, J. Bauri and C. Bhagabati have conducted research on an electric wheelchair that is
navigated using a joystick. Arduino receives information about the joystick's movement and
responds accordingly. However, not all physically challenged people can operate their
wheelchair with the help of a joystick. The persons who have difficulty in moving the right
hand where the joystick is connected, they cannot use it. Also, this wheelchair is costly, so
everyone cannot afford it. Ayush pandey et al from St Aloysius Institute of Technology
proposed a voice controlled wheelchair by the project name “Smart Electronic Wheelchair”. In
this type of wheelchair, user uses voice command like go, front, back, left, right and the module
detects the sound and works accordingly. But this is not much efficient because it cannot
recognise voice every time properly, and it does not work in noisy environment. Devaraj A/L
Kaliannan et al from Politeknik Malaysia proposed some advanced approach of voice
modulation in the paper titled “Smart Wheelchair”. They added controlling wheelchair using
mobile Bluetooth connection as well as voice modulation. This technique also has similar kind
of drawback like less efficiency in noisy environment. In a research of “Smart Wheel Chair” by
Sabin Adhikari et. al., they have proposed an idea of wheelchair based on hand gesture as well
as voice-controlled navigation, and also it includes obstacle detection system. But this system is
wireless in one part, so it may not work properly as there may be some interference and there
may not be proper communication between receiver and transmitter and also speech synthesizer
does not work properly in noisy environment. Femy John et al in “Gesture Controlled
Wheelchair” published in Journals of Embedded Systems and Processing also prescribed
similar types of approach to make smart wheelchair.
Another new technology Brain Computer Interface (BCI) has been applied to the wheelchair by
Nikhil Shinde and Kiran George. This design uses mental concentration and eye blink of the
disabled person using BCI headset and other electronic components. But the drawback is that
the brain impulse and signals differ from person to person and it needs to be calibrated for
different users.

Current State of the Art:

As of the present state, there has been notable progress in the integration of solar panels into
mobility devices, including wheelchairs and electric scooters, aiming to extend battery life and
promote sustainability. Electric wheelchairs have seen advancements in features such as
connectivity, IoT integration, and safety algorithms, although the widespread integration of
solar power for sustained energy remains a less common feature. Sustainable transportation
initiatives, as well as ongoing research in assistive technology, have contributed to
improvements in user-centric design, safety features, and customization options. The broader
trend of renewable energy integration in various industries may suggest a potential avenue for
the development of cost-effective, solar-powered smart wheelchairs. For the most up-to-date
information, checking recent publications, academic journals, and industry announcements
would provide insights into the current state of the art in this field.
Challenges:

Developing a cost-effective smart wheelchair using solar panels poses several challenges that
need to be addressed for the successful implementation of such a project. Some of the key
challenges include:
Technological Complexity: Integrating advanced technologies, such as IoT features, adaptive
seating, and safety algorithms, into a compact and user-friendly design presents technical
challenges. Balancing these features while keeping the wheelchair simple, reliable, and cost-
effective is a significant hurdle.
Battery Technology Constraints: Current battery technologies may not provide the energy
density required for a wheelchair to operate solely on solar power for extended periods.
Overcoming battery limitations is crucial for maximizing the wheelchair's range and usability.
Weather Dependence: Solar energy generation is weather-dependent, and variations in
sunlight intensity due to weather conditions can impact the wheelchair's performance.
Developing a system that can adapt to changing weather patterns is essential.
User Acceptance and Adaptation: Users may need time to adapt to new technologies and
features. Ensuring that the smart wheelchair is user-friendly, intuitive, and meets diverse user
needs is essential for successful adoption.
Maintenance and Durability: The integration of electronic components introduces potential
points of failure, increasing maintenance requirements. Developing a wheelchair that is durable
and requires minimal maintenance is essential for long-term usability.

Motivation and Need:

In this project, the main objective is to develop a wheelchair which is controlled by the
movement of hand of the disabled persons in certain direction. According to a 2011 WHO
report, around 15% of the world's population, or 1 billion people, are disabled in some way.
Among them 2-4% people have serious difficulty. So, they need help from either caretakers or
technology. And all the time it is very difficult for a disabled person to rely on caretaker or
helper. That’s why they need some sort of technology which would give them much comfort
and makes them self reliant. Controlling wheelchair by hand gesture can give them the
opportunity to be independent of others. We have planned to add some more features like object
detection, alarm system which would give the person much more safety than the normal
wheelchairs. For the paralyzed persons and the persons who have difficulty in speaking, this
 wheelchair will be boon for them. This project also reduces the daily cost because it will be
charging using solar panel, so electricity bill will be reduced. Also total cost to make the
wheelchair is much lower, so it can be affordable to many people. This wheelchair will be
beneficial to the persons:  Who are paralyzed on the body parts which are related to movement
 Who creeps while moving  Who have joint or muscle problems  Who need someone’s
assistance to move  Who have stiffness or looseness in body joints  Who have deformity in
the body  Who have broken legs permanently or temporarily

2.2 Outcomes and Benefits

Expected Outcomes:
The anticipated outcomes of developing a cost-effective smart wheelchair using solar panels are
poised to usher in a new era of enhanced mobility and sustainability. Users can expect an
extended range and increased energy independence, empowering them with greater autonomy
in their daily lives. The integration of solar panels not only promises a reduced environmental
impact by relying on renewable energy but also signifies a shift towards eco-friendly and
sustainable practices in assistive technology. The innovative and user-centric design, featuring
cutting-edge technologies like IoT integration and adaptive seating, aims to elevate the overall
user experience and satisfaction. Affordability remains a key focus, ensuring that the benefits of
advanced mobility technologies are accessible to a diverse population, fostering inclusivity. The
outcomes extend beyond individual users to contribute to the broader field of assistive
technology, potentially influencing industry standards and guidelines for integrating renewable
energy sources into mobility devices. Collectively, these expected outcomes paint a
transformative picture of a more sustainable, user-friendly, and inclusive future for individuals
with mobility impairments.

Key Benefits and Beneficiaries:

User Autonomy: Extended range, increased independence.
Sustainability: Reduced carbon footprint, eco-friendly.
Efficient Energy Use: Solar-powered, reduced dependence.
Affordability: Cost-effective, broader accessibility.
Technological Advancement: Innovative features, IoT integration.
Industry Influence: Potential standards and guidelines.
Improved Quality of Life: Enhanced satisfaction, positive impact.
Green Practices: Eco-conscious, sustainable solutions.
Inclusivity: Accessible design, diverse user needs.
Economic Impact: Potential cost savings, industry growth.

Technology Transfer/Diffusion Approach:

The technology transfer and diffusion approach for the development of a cost-effective smart
wheelchair using solar panels involves a comprehensive strategy. Beginning with collaborative
research and development efforts with institutions and industry experts, the process includes
rigorous prototyping, testing, and obtaining intellectual property protection. Regulatory
compliance and certification are prioritized to ensure safety and adherence to industry
standards. Pilot programs and user trials, conducted in collaboration with healthcare institutions
and user communities, provide valuable real-world feedback. A strategic marketing plan
focuses on creating awareness among healthcare professionals, mobility aid suppliers, and end-
 users. Incentives and subsidies may be explored to encourage adoption, and training programs
ensure proper usage. Collaborations with distributors and retailers facilitate market reach, while
continuous improvement and iterative design are emphasized based on user feedback. The
approach extends to global market expansion, sustainability initiatives, community engagement,
and data collection for impact assessment. The goal is to facilitate a seamless and successful
integration of the solar-powered smart wheelchair, ensuring broad adoption, positive societal
impact, and environmental sustainability.

2.3 Objectives
(Please describe the measurable objectives of the project and define the expected results. Use
results-oriented wording with verbs such as ‘to develop..’, ‘to implement..’, ‘to research..’, ‘to
determine..‘, ‘to identify..’ The objectives should not be statements and should actually
specify in simple words what the project team intends to achieve (something concrete and
measurable/ deliverable). Fill only those objectives that are applicable to the proposed
project.)
Research Objectives
The research objectives for the development of a cost-effective smart wheelchair using solar
panels encompass a multifaceted investigation. The primary goals include optimizing solar
energy harvesting to enhance the wheelchair's sustainability, exploring user-centric design
principles and ergonomic considerations for a comfortable and inclusive user experience,
implementing advanced safety features and algorithms to ensure user well-being, evaluating
cost-effective materials for construction, researching cutting-edge technologies and IoT
integration to enhance functionality, exploring advancements in battery technology for
improved efficiency, investigating scalable manufacturing processes for mass production,
ensuring regulatory compliance and obtaining necessary certifications, developing
comprehensive user training programs, conducting a lifecycle assessment to enhance
sustainability, performing market research and user needs assessments for informed design
decisions, exploring global adaptability and accessibility, analyzing potential incentives or
subsidies to encourage adoption, assessing the impact on users' quality of life, and establishing
mechanisms for continuous improvement through user feedback and iterative design
enhancements. This comprehensive approach aims to address technical, user-oriented,
regulatory, and sustainability aspects, contributing to the development of an innovative and
socially impactful solar-powered smart wheelchair.
Commercial Objectives:
The commercial objectives for the development of a cost-effective smart wheelchair using solar
panels revolve around creating a viable and sustainable product that meets market demands and
generates economic value. These objectives include establishing a competitive pricing strategy
to ensure affordability and market penetration, identifying potential revenue streams through
direct sales or partnerships with distributors and retailers, conducting market research to
understand target demographics and optimize marketing strategies, exploring strategic
collaborations with industry stakeholders, such as healthcare providers or mobility aid
suppliers, to expand market reach, developing a strong brand presence and effective marketing
campaigns to create awareness and drive product adoption, exploring potential funding sources
or investment to support research, development, and production efforts, and implementing
efficient supply chain and manufacturing processes to ensure cost-effectiveness and scalability.
The overarching goal is to position the solar-powered smart wheelchair as a commercially
successful product that not only addresses user needs but also establishes a sustainable and
profitable presence in the mobility aid market.
 Other Objectives (if any)

2.4 Research Approach

Development / Research Methodology:
(Please describe the technical details and justification of your development and research plan.
The block diagrams, system flow charts, high level algorithm details etc. have to be provided in
this section. Maximum 3000 words.)

The electrical configuration for the smart wheelchair's power supply and control system
involves a 12V battery as the primary power source, with an IC7805 regulating the voltage
down to 5V for components such as the Arduino and other integrated circuits. A switch is
incorporated for circuit power control, and a rechargeable 12V 26 Ah battery can be charged
through both solar panels mounted on the wheelchair (40W, 12V) and an AC power supply.
Solar charging is managed by an MPPT charge controller for its higher efficiency compared to
a PWM controller. The regulated voltage is connected to the Arduino, and a resistor links the
IC7805 to the Arduino's reset pin. This regulated voltage also powers the ADXL335
accelerometer and the L293D motor driver IC, with corresponding ground connections. The
accelerometer's SDA and SCL pins interface with the Arduino for x and y-axis navigation.
Simulation involves emulating the accelerometer using potentiometers for X, Y, and Z axes,
with the Z-axis potentiometer grounded as it is not needed for wheelchair control. This setup
forms a comprehensive and integrated power system with sensor-controlled navigation for the
smart wheelchair.
Key Milestones and Deliverables:
(Please list and describe the principal milestones and associated deliverables of the project.
The timing of milestones is also to be shown in the Gantt chart in Annexure-A. Quarterly
deliverables are preferred.)

The information given in this table will be the basis of monitoring and release of funds by the
Ignite.

No. Elapsed time Milestone Deliverables

from start (in
 months) of
the project
1. 1 month Research Chapter 2 background

2. 2 month Research , literature Chapter 3 methodology

3. 3 month Literature Chapter 4 methodology

4. 4 month Software simulation PCB layout version 01

5. 5 month Software simulation PCB layout version 02

6. 6 month Hardware implementation 10% of final product

7. 7 month Hardware implementation 25% of final product

8. 8 month Hardware implementation 50% of final product

9. 9 month Hardware implementation 100% of final product

2.5 Risk Analysis

(Please list the risks that may cause delays in, or prevent implementation of, the project. For
each risk estimate the likelihood, likely impact/consequences on the project and steps to
minimize/avoid the risk.)
Likelihood
Risk (Low, Med, Impact Mitigation
High)
Cost risk High Poor cost planning or Accurate the cost
expensive equipment from estimation
abroad
Schedule risk Low Delay or unscheduled Do tasks on or before
work decline
Performance risk Med Human or machine error Identify and rectify the
errors
Operational risk Med Poor implementation & Identify and rectify the
 process problems errors
Market risk High Cause from competition, Keep in touch of Up to
commodity markets, date ,new and modern
interest rates, foreign technology
exchange, and liquidity
and credit risks
Section – 3

3.1 Resources & Other Requirements

Project Team:
(attach CVs along with industry sponsorship letter/ request letter to industry )
Title / Position Number
Team Leads 1
Researchers / Developers 4
Researcher / Development Assistants -
Support Staff 1
Contract Staff (please specify) -
Others (please specify) -
Add more rows if required
Team Structure:
(Please define the team structure (organogram) and role/key responsibilities of each member.
If in collaboration with another partner, the division of manpower at various locations of
partners be provided.)

Title/Position Role/Key Minimum Expertise / Minimum

(of each Responsibilities Qualification Background Experienc
member) Required Required e
Required
(years)
Maryam tariq Leadership Problem solving Communication 3
skills Time
management
Project
management
Nayyab malik Report writing MS office expert Browsing 3
Shafaq younis Hardware Acknowledge Good in handling 3
implementation the components,
Project
management
Creativity SMM,
SEO, in/page,
IOT programming
Zainab ashraf Software implementation C/C++ , Certified in some 3
Assembly software
Annexure–A: Project Schedule / Milestone Chart

(Project schedule using MS-Project (or similar tools) with all tasks, deliverables,
milestones, cost estimates, payment schedules clearly indicated are preferred.)

Example:

SPECIMEN

ID Task Name Start Finish Predecessors

1 Design specification 1 June 30 June

2 Final document 1 July 31July 1
3 Purchase of equipment 1 August 31 August
4 Equipment in place 1 30 September 3
September
5 Development 1 October 31 October
6 Testing 1 30 November 5
November
7 Beta release 1 31 December 6
December
8 User manual /training 1 January 31 January
9 Delivery of final 1 February 28 February
product