Alternative Human-Machine Interface system for powered wheelchairs

In this paper Aescolapius is introduced as new HMI system, Human-Machine Interface, which controls the movement of a powered device, using common peripherals: an RGB camera, a microphone or a mobile phone. In order to test the feasibility of the system, Aescolapius has been integrated in a motorized wheelchair. The goal is to allow disabled people to have alternatives in guiding their wheelchairs: with head movements, using voice commands, sliding a finger across the touch screen of a mobile phone or tilting the phone.