Follow Me and Minimize My Risk of Fall. An Automated Wheelchair Follow Module for Mobility Assistance

The proposed system provides an automated, modular system configured for integration with existing automated/powered wheelchairs, facilitating the wheelchair to autonomously track and follow a patient during gait training sessions or other mobility-related activities. The proposed system comprises a modular add-on that attaches to the wheelchair’s existing joystick or control stick, equipped with a camera, sensors, and software that autonomously tracks the patient’s movements. The wheelchair’s motion is controlled by the module, based on real-time visual feedback from the camera targeting the patient. The primary advantage of this proposed system is its ability to minimize the risk of fall for patients or seniors via allowing the wheelchair to follow them without additional staff involvement, to increase users’ safety and reduce staff workload. Furthermore, the proposed system is designed to be minimally invasive, enabling it to be retrofitted to virtually any existing automated and powered wheelchair with minimal modification.