Disabled man develops autopilot wheelchair system

It was hard for Valery to use the wheelchair indoors and avoid obstacles. So he started thinking about a solution.

"If you use an electric wheelchair, then you understand how frustrating it can be to avoid obstacles, make constant adjustments and generally devote all of your concentration into controlling the wheelchair", he said.

The Clever Wheelchair system will consist of three parts: the device itself (which will be attached to the wheelchair to enable its user an autonomous movement); special cameras which will track the space and help users to avoid collisions within their house or flat; and an app for the smartphone which makes the whole system work.

“We see a future in which people with this device will feel more comfortable than those who have no need for it," the inventor explained.

One of the advantages of this new technology is that, compared to the traditional joystick, it is easier to use because the patient only needs to voice the place one wants to go or tap it on one's smartphone.

Valery, a programmer, initialized the project, and is being assisted by a team of engineers, programmers and designers.

The autopilot wheelchair system is expected to cost about $200 when it goes on sale. Currently the team is raising funds to complete the project and bring it to the market, having launched a crowdfunding campaign.

"It should be affordable for our target audience, and we need to remember they are not rich, so the final device will cost about $200," Valery expressed.

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/2mYzJ5v

More info: http://cleverchair.com
https://youtu.be/gSQgRfGkUyA