Integrating Autonomy and Manual Control in Wheelchair Technology

The advancement in autonomous vehicle technologies is transforming transportation, and similar innovations are now being tailored to wheelchair design to enhance independence for users with disabilities. Traditional wheelchairs tend to fall into two categories: fully manual or fully autonomous, leaving a gap in options for users who desire both control and assistance. Researchers at the University of Michigan are working to bridge this gap through the development of a hybrid system that combines both autonomous navigation and manual override capabilities.

This new approach utilizes advanced sensors such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and onboard cameras to enable wheelchairs to navigate complex environments with minimal user input. The system incorporates algorithms that permit shared control, meaning the wheelchair can assist in navigation while allowing the user to take over whenever necessary. This ensures that users retain a sense of autonomy and safety, especially in challenging or crowded settings.

Vineet Kamat, a professor of civil and environmental engineering, explains that the goal is to achieve a form of 'shared autonomy' where assistance is provided according to the user’s comfort level without constraining their ability to control the wheelchair entirely. This perspective is particularly important for individuals with physical disabilities who often face difficulties maneuvering in built environments, which can limit their participation in social, professional, and educational opportunities.

The technological implementation involves equipping wheelchairs with LiDAR sensors, 3D cameras, and integrating them with the wheelchair's drive system. The team has also developed algorithms that allow control via a video game controller, making the system intuitive for users. To foster trust in these automated systems, the researchers emphasize the importance of real-time feedback from users, which helps the system adapt and build confidence.

Currently, the system, named CoNav, is undergoing testing within university campus corridors with able-bodied volunteers. The next phase involves trials with actual wheelchair users, aiming to refine the system based on user experience and safety considerations.

This research reflects a broader trend across automotive and assistive technologies, where merging autonomous features with manual control aims to enhance safety, trust, and user independence. As consumer confidence in fully autonomous systems remains cautious, developing hybrid solutions like CoNav offers a promising path forward to support those with mobility challenges.

By blending cutting-edge sensing technology with user-centered design, this initiative seeks to empower wheelchair users to navigate their environments more freely and safely, opening new possibilities for social and occupational engagement.

Source: University of Michigan