A Comprehensive Review of Smart Wheelchairs: Past, Present, and Future
The paper provides an exhaustive review of smart wheelchairs (SWs), their evolution from power wheelchairs (PWs), and the future possibilities for these assistive devices. Over the past decade, integrating computers, sensors, and assistive technologies into wheelchairs has driven a paradigm shift toward more intelligent mobility solutions for individuals with cognitive, motor, or sensory impairments.
Evolution and Current State
The review traces the early motivations of smart wheelchair development as an endeavor to offer autonomy to PW users who struggle with conventional joysticks and rely on alternative control systems. The work categorizes development phases into past, present, and future, with a clear emphasis on current advancements such as input methods, operating modes, and integration of human factors. Notable is the shift from PW to SW, driven by international efforts yielding innovations far beyond the technological progression from manual to powered devices.
Recent prototypes originating from diverse global institutions illustrate the increasing interest and research in SWs. Input methods have evolved, with technologies leveraging biometrics, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), and multimodal approaches enhancing user interaction comprehensively. Autonomous functionalities, including machine learning, following, and navigational assistance, dominate research trends, emphasizing efficiency and safety in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Novel technological approaches illustrate the transition to SWs with a focus on customization and user adaptability, taking into account human-robot interaction and interface developments. Current research domains strive to improve intelligent mobility while also addressing critical social factors, thereby enhancing the holistic user experience.
Implications and Future Directions
While the current research enhances the functional mobility of individuals reliant on PWs, several challenges persist in fully realizing SW capabilities. Addressing technological, ethical, and social barriers is paramount. The paper advocates for advancing autonomous navigation through enhanced sensor capabilities and real-time data processing. Integration with smart home environments and enriched human-SW interaction models are projected to amplify user independence and comfort further.
The authors identify the necessity for these technologies to evolve into modular, upgradeable systems readily adaptable to diverse users and platforms. As the industry moves toward commercialization, collaborations with personal electric vehicle manufacturers may expedite market availability and affordability. Moreover, ensuring these advancements align with regulatory frameworks, liability standards, and ethical practices remains imperative to their practical applicability.
Conclusion
This comprehensive review stands as a pivotal reference for understanding the developmental trajectory, current research, and future ambitions surrounding smart wheelchairs. By synthesizing past achievements and emerging technologies, the study underscores the necessity for continued interdisciplinary research to optimize SWs for broader market success and enriched user experiences. The envisioning of SWs as co-robots indicates a significant direction for autonomy and personalized assistive technologies, effectively extending the capabilities and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.