Crew Wheelchair

Smart Handle Sensing System for Safer and Easier Mobility

The “Wheelchair Handle Sensing System” can be installed on a standard wheelchair. Its pressure-sensing control system detects the force and direction applied by the caregiver's hands and uses assisted power to drive the wheelchair forward or bring it to a stop, allowing the caregiver to maneuver the wheelchair with minimal effort. The system is particularly useful when navigating slopes—it increases torque to counteract the backward pull when going uphill, and activates a braking mechanism to slow the wheelchair while converting downhill momentum into electrical energy to recharge the battery when going downhill. The smart system also helps keep the wheelchair moving in a straight line automatically, reducing the caregiver's physical strain and risk of injury.

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Operating joysticks on powered wheelchairs can be challenging for the elderly with deteriorating fine motor skills, people with Alzheimer’s, mental illnesses, or neuromuscular disorders, to name a few. The team was inspired by MIT's design method – Participatory Design, invited 10 elderly as co-designers to imagine solutions to how they might help ease caregivers’ burden on pushing wheelchairs on Hong Kong’s hill terrace. An intelligent assisted electric wheelchair was developed as a solution.

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Prototype

Crew Wheelchair 1.0

Crew Wheelchair 2.0

Awards

Dr Albert Ko stated

"Many caregivers are themselves elderly, and it is very strenuous for them to push their partners in and out or up and down footbridges. With this assistive device, we aim to extend the benefits of electric wheelchairs to caregivers, making outings safer and easier for both elderly individuals."

Dr Albert Ko, Director of the Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative (right), and Mr Brian Katona, System Engineer of the Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative (left).