Development of a virtual reality-based power wheel chair simulator

For many individuals with physical and/or cognitive impairments the assistive technology provided by a power wheelchair (PW/C) offers the means for independent mobility, improved self-care, increased enjoyment of leisure activities and empowerment (C. Miles-Tapping, 1996). However, despite the independence afforded by a PW/C, third party payers are often reluctant to purchase a PW/C for these individuals until the person can demonstrate the ability to operate the PW/C independently. Loaner PW/C's used for training purposes are difficult to obtain and they often do not fully meet the specific needs of the client. Training methods for learning how to use a PW/C are costly and potentially unsafe. Virtual reality technology may provide an effective training tool and method of documenting an individual's ability to operate a PW/C (A. Harrison, et al., 2000), (A. Hasdai, et al., 1998). The purpose of this project is to design and build a virtual reality-based power wheelchair (VRPW/C) simulator that provides accurate visual, proprioceptive and vestibular feedback to the user in order to accurately simulate PW/C mobility for training purposes.