Intelligent control of power wheelchairs

Power wheelchair controllers become more sophisticated as motor control and human/machine interaction research progresses. The result of this increasing sophistication is that more people are provided with independent mobility. The challenge for engineering is to provide safe and effective mobility in a dynamic environment. Fortunately, many of the control methods outlined in here make that goal attainable. Tuneable controllers have had a significant impact, but they only allude to the possibilities for improved mobility. Shared control proves promising for expanding the number and variety of power wheelchair users. Integrated control will increase the independence of power wheelchair users in all realms of assistive technology. Fault-tolerant control can guide one towards safer and more reliable power wheelchairs. Fault-tolerant controllers may also be a cost effective solution to many electromagnetic interference related issues. Through thoughtful research and design, power wheelchair control will progress along safe and effective pathways towards providing users independent and self-guided mobility