Track: Automation and Control

Abstract

This research is about the design, development and implementation of a Bluetooth Technology Controlled (BTC) wheel chair. The wheelchair was developed to solve the mobility challenges faced by disabled. Though manual wheelchairs provide some solution, they pose the challenge of high physical strain. Extensive literature review has shown that the existing powered wheelchair technologies have some limitations. These includes requirement of complex repetitive body movement and inability to control the wheelchair over a distance. In this regards, this work develops a Bluetooth Technology Controlled (BTC) wheelchair which provides the disabled a cost-effective option of controlling the wheelchair over a distance, using an input method that is dependable. The design of the electric circuit is prepared and used as a guideline for subsequent development stages. A Bluetooth module is used to receive input from an android mobile phone. The received signals are processed, and the corresponding actuating signal is sent. The completed work is a Bluetooth control system with an android phone as an input device to send signal to electric motor that actuate the wheelchair with no requirement for manual propelling by the user or another person. The BTC wheelchair is cost efficient compared to existing powered wheelchairs of the same caliber