Designing stair climbing wheelchairs with surface prediction using theoretical analysis and machine learning

Abstract

Urban settings present considerable obstacles for those use personal mobility wheelchairs, especially when it comes to manoeuvring stairs. The objective of this study is to improve the safety and ease of use of wheelchairs designed for ascending stairs. The study aims to tackle the significant issue of instability and limited ability to adjust to different types of terrain. This research employs a holistic methodology that combines theoretical dynamic analysis, hardware design and simulation, and field testing, in addition to advanced machine learning approaches for surface prediction. Theoretical models guarantee the stability of the wheelchair, while hardware simulations offer valuable insights into its structural integrity. The data obtained from inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors during field tests is analysed and categorised using models like random forest and gradient boosting, which exhibit exceptional accuracy in forecasting movement circumstances. The results demonstrate that the implementation of these combined techniques greatly enhances the wheelchair’s capacity to safely manoeuvre over urban barriers. The study finds that the suggested solutions show great potential for creating intelligent mobility aids, which might be used to improve accessibility for those with mobility limitations.