Expanding smart wheelchair technology for users with severe disabilities

Every person is different. The thousands of people affected by mobility limitations are no exception to this rule. Each has varying abilities, and can be better enabled to enjoy life by a variety of devices. While only a subset of assistive technology, the field of smart wheelchair research is vast, and difficult to summarize.;This work describes multiple assistive technology components and solutions, including sensors, input devices, and wheelchair interfacing methods. Commercially available devices are examined, in order to take advantage of previous research and establish sets of commonly used technologies. Devices currently under development are also explored, in hopes of promoting more varied avenues of research. These include a vision sensor based on the common housefly, an electrooculogram-based eye tracking input device, and a simple method for interfacing with existing power wheelchairs. The motivation of such a study is to provide varied options to fit the specific needs of each individual. This work summarizes several ongoing projects to allow greater independence for people with disabilities.;As the availability and variety of these options increase, so does the demand, as soldiers engaged in current conflicts continue to survive wounds that would have been fatal in previous decades.;This research is driven by a desire to serve those who serve us. This work exists to serve as a starting point for researchers, designers, technicians, care givers, and the people who can be helped by such technology. The goal is to reduce the amount of time spent by each person on background research, and to avoid unnecessarily "reinventing the wheel" ... chair.