Smart-Assistive Wheelchair for Increased PWD Independence and Improved Caregiver Functions

Problem Statement

Existing wheelchairs require the help of caregivers to use transfer boards to move persons with disabilities (PWDs) from bed to wheelchair, and vice versa.

In addition, it is challenging to move the person from a supine to a sitting position. Wheelchair users also require assistance to reach items above their sitting position.

Solution

The project aims to develop a smart-assistive wheelchair (1st prototype) that:

• can transform into a ‘flatbed’ with in-built convertible transfer boards;

• has adjustable height and tilting functions for easy transfer;

• allows users to sit up or lie down at various heights, and reach items up to 1.8m;

• has an optional pressure sore monitoring and mitigation system, as well as an optional location tracking system for caregivers to locate the whereabouts of persons with disabilities.

Outcomes

The Smart-Assistive Wheelchair eliminates the use of transfer boards and improves the ease of transfer of persons with disabilities, hence alleviating some of the physically demanding challenges caregivers face during the transfer process.

More about grantee

The project team comprises lecturers from NYP School of Engineering, who are specialised in various design fields, such as industrial design, electronic and electrical control, mechanical and mechanism as well as lecturers from School of Health & Social Sciences who are equipped with specialised knowledge and skills in holistic nursing of the client.