Electric Wheelchair Biofeedback Control System

For a paraplegic in the workplace, it is an inconvenience to control the functions and movements of a power wheelchair with occupied hands. Our solution is to develop a chair that allows a user to tilt and swivel the wheelchair based on body orientation. Our device allows a user to tilt the chair forwards and backwards by leaning in that direction. A series of pressure sensors integrated in the wheelchair’s backrest are used to monitor leaning motion and control the forward and backward tilt capabilities of the chair. To allow a user to swivel the chair, tilt switches attached to the user’s shirt will monitor if a user is leaning to the right or left. As compared to the current joystick and switch wheelchair control system, our design allows hands-free operation of the wheelchair’s mobility and functionality.