Track: Automation and Control

Abstract

Every day, people are becoming more concerned about the well-being of others and the inclusion of those who do not have the same physical capabilities to thrive in their daily lives or workplaces. Fifteen percent of the population suffers from locomotor disorders that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and can even impact bones. These disorders can be sudden or short-term in nature, preventing normal development for those affected. Lower back pain is one of the most common, with 568 million people suffering from it, leading to reduced social interaction, work difficulties, early retirement, and low levels of social well-being. This is a significant population to address, as four out of every ten are part of the economically active population. Therefore, focusing on alleviating the difficulties faced by this population in their daily lives, this study details the design and manufacturing of a motorized electric wheelchair prototype aimed at extending the lifespan of a lead-acid battery with a charger using fuzzy logic. Additionally, this device features a GPS system that allows for location tracking and sending an emergency SMS message in cases where the user cannot get back up and a Jetson Nano that runs YOLO model to artificial vision. All of this is aimed at providing greater autonomy and safety to this often overlooked population.