Low-cost electronic control with resistive joystick and arduino for children electric wheelchair

Abstract

Wheelchair is an assistive technology device that allows people with physical disability to have more independence, quality of life and social inclusion. The lack of access to a wheelchair is a serious problem all around the world. Almost 20 million people in the world do not have access to a wheelchair due to the high costs. The electric wheelchair is a special device for people with severe physical disability (quadriplegia, cerebral palsy and others). The lack of access to electric wheelchairs, due to the high costs, is a relevant factor in lack of inclusion of disabled children in formal education. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a low cost electronic control for children electric wheelchair. The methodology was based on constructing and testing an electronic prototype using Arduino and a low-cost resistor position sensor for electric wheelchair control. Keywords: