EMG Sensor based Wheel Chair Control and Safety System

Abstract

This work presents the development of a smart wheelchair, controlled and guided by EMG signals for those facing the problems of physical disabilities. Conventional wheelchairs were not effective for people with disabilities, as it requires a great pedalling power and gets affected by users’ limitations such as defects of the fingers. This project proposes a solution in the form of a 4-channel EMG controlled Electric wheelchair. The EMG signals are acquired using EMG sensors attached to the muscles of arms and are read in Arduino Uno board working with an AVR microcontroller. The battery powered wheelchair has 3 different modules- Signal acquisition Module, Signal Analysis Module and finally the Wheelchair controlled module. Unlike its previous versions, this wheelchair will move auto-forward whenever powered ON, moves right and left with the required muscle movements, and given further more delay on either of the directions it will turn backwards. Apart from this, an additional feature of designated stop switch is also included for ceasing wheelchair’s motion. Hence this project ensures the wheelchair's motion to be smoother.