Towards BCI‑actuated smart wheelchair system

BioMed Eng OnLine, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12938-018-0545-x · Published: August 13, 2018

Assistive Technology Neurology Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This paper presents a brain-actuated smart wheelchair system designed for individuals with motor disabilities, enabling them to interact with the environment using brain signals. The wheelchair is equipped with an omnidirectional chassis, a robotic arm, target recognition, and auto-control modules, enhancing mobility and functionality. The system uses a BCI to allow users to select targets, and then autonomously navigates and performs tasks such as opening doors or picking up objects.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

3 patients (cerebral infarction, spinal injury, stroke) and 4 healthy subjects

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The smart wheelchair system achieved a 100% success rate in completing tasks in a simulated daily environment with both patients and healthy subjects.
2
Environment perception errors, primarily due to incomplete target detection of small objects at a distance, were the main source of deductions in the system's performance.
3
The BCI system demonstrated effective control, with subjects requiring approximately 2 trials to correctly select a target, and validation commands were reliably executed using EMG signals.

Research Summary

The study introduces a brain-actuated smart wheelchair that integrates AI and automation for daily use by individuals with motor impairments. It uses a BCI for target selection and autonomous navigation. Key components include an omnidirectional chassis, robotic arm, target recognition, and auto-control modules. The system was tested in simulated daily tasks. The results showed a 100% task completion rate, with minor environment perception errors. The BCI system and validation commands were reliable.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Mobility

The omnidirectional chassis and robotic arm broaden the wheelchair's mobility and reachable range, allowing users to navigate complex environments and perform tasks independently.

Improved Autonomy

The target recognition and auto-control modules reduce the cognitive load on the user, enabling them to accomplish tasks with minimal commands and effort.

Practical Application of BCIs

The smart wheelchair system demonstrates the potential for BCIs to provide practical solutions for individuals with motor disabilities, enhancing their independence and quality of life.

Study Limitations

1
The target recognition algorithm requires a large-scale database for comprehensive training to ensure it can accommodate diverse environments effectively.
2
The autocontrol mode is limited by the camera's visual sight, requiring an additional command control mode for situations where target detection is not available.
3
The system's current implementation cannot be used while eating due to false detections induced by eating actions on the EMG validation command.

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