Smart Wheelchair Navigation: Gesture Control and Obstacle Avoidance

In recent years, assistive technology development has been increasing especially for improving mobility for individuals with physical disabilities. Existing techniques like joystick-controlled wheelchairs and computer vision have many drawbacks, including high cost, limited accessibility, and failure to adapt to users with severe motor impairments. These systems still have some flaws related to the safety features and reacting in complicated situations. In this proposed work, a cost-effective gesture-based wheelchair prototype is designed to ensure users' safety, flexibility, and mobility. This prototype uses an ESP32 microcontroller and MPU6050 motion sensor, an alternative to regular electric wheelchairs. The primary goal is to overcome issues on cost, flexibility toward many disabilities, and the practicality of use by significantly improving safety through obstacle detection. This control system allows gestures to be performed with hands, head, or custom gestures or suitable movements or by any other body part regardless of the user's requirement. It has also integrated an ultrasonic sensor into it that detects obstacles and avoids sudden collisions, hence making it safer to operate. This prototype shows responsiveness and adaptability, solving the core challenges of modern electric wheelchairs. It offers additional flexibility. It is more economical and safer than modern electric wheelchairs. This study analyses the prototype's performance, functioning response, and adaptivity for people with various needs.