Usability Evaluation of Operating Devices for Electric Wheelchairs

In recent years, much research has been conducted on automated wheelchair technology. However, few automated wheelchairs have been commercialized. In addition, there is a lack of research on devices to operate wheelchairs manually or by steering wheel as well as automatically. The purpose of this study is to develop a wheelchair that makes everyday life more comfortable. First, we considered what kind of shape and sensors should be used for the operating device in developing the wheelchair. New input methods were considered for new sleigh operation devices, including a type with a small joystick, a fingertip input type, and a regular operation device.