Integrating ride dynamics measurements and user comfort assessment to smart robotic wheelchairs

Individuals relying on wheelchairs for mobility are subject to the risk of injury due to their exposure to whole-body vibrations for long periods of time as per ISO 2631-1. Our study evaluates the feasibility of integrating ride dynamics measurements (i.e. vertical accelerations) as expressions of user travel comfort assessment to smart robotic wheelchairs. This will also help to mitigate the injury risk caused by the continuous exposure to vibrations using real time electronic measurement systems in order to ensure that the wheelchair’s movement dynamics (acceleration and speed) and the user’s comfort is adapted to the surrounding environment, specifically the type of ground surface type, as per the ISO standard mentioned previously.