Pose Recognition Based Wheelchair Propulsion for Elderly Convenience

aging is an inevitable, natural process affecting both inanimate and animate objects. While inanimate objects crumble, the bodies of animate beings struggle to handle the daily routine after reaching a certain age. Many tasks become too difficult to handle and the body barely hangs on as it ages. One such task is the mobility for the geriatric society. The purpose of this research is to improve the quality of life for the senior citizens. The research focuses on the design of such a robotic wheelchair which incorporates everything from hardware, software to sensor technology, computer processing and power distribution. When the senior citizen wishes to sit, they will perform a set of specified Poses that elicits a response from the wheelchair in the form of forward movement making it easy for them to be seated. During the experimentation phase, the wheelchair is triggered and reacts appropriately as and when the Poses are performed. Results from the performance testing demonstrate its functionality as a possible care-giving solution to the senior citizens.