Virtual Reality Simulation for Robotic Wheelchair Assistive Technologies
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Kent
Department Name: Sch of Engineering & Digital Arts
Abstract
"About 65 million individuals globally require the aid of a wheelchair for mobility, 20 millions of whom do not have one [1]. Many of the those who possess a wheelchair may not be able to navigate it correctly due to some other impairments they may have; this is evidence for the need of adapting wheelchairs to the requirements of each individual user.
Alongside developing an individualised wheelchair, it is also important to give first-time users the possibility to practice navigation in a safe manner, prior to being exposed to real-life hazards. A method that is increasing in popularity to provide training for new wheelchair users is Virtual Reality (VR). It is believed that such a training program impacts positively the life of wheelchair users by improving function, reducing abandonment of power wheelchairs, reducing morbidity, mortality and associated costs occurring from power wheelchair accidents [2].
Nonetheless, this method has limitations. It has been reported that some users find it difficult to perceive depth and distance, for example. It is a problem especially occurring in more complex VR environments. This gives the user the feeling of being in an unrealistic domain [3], which defeats the purpose of using virtual reality. Overcoming these limitations is essential to fully take advantage of the benefits VR has to offer and to give users the best experience possible.
This research project would study ways to empower the wheelchair users through assistive technology, focusing on developing a VR system specific to their needs allowing them to conduct safe navigation in everyday life. This would entail in generating appropriate software that analyses incoming data from the wheelchair and user which indicate the user's movement and use the data to navigate within a simulated environment. Necessary hardware will be developed as well for the collection of the relevant signals/data.
Bibliography
[1] "World Health Organization, SEARO Disability Information Document." World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 18 July 2017, origin.searo.who.int/entity/disabilities_injury_rehabilitation/topics/disabilityfactsheet201 3/en/.
[2] Dicianno, Brad E. "Virtual Reality for Power Wheelchair Training - Full Text View." Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov, University of Pittsburgh, 19 June 2018, clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03562455.
[3] Tao1, Gordon, and Philippe S. Archambault1. "Powered Wheelchair Simulator Development: Implementing Combined Navigation-Reaching Tasks with a 3D Hand Motion Controller." Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, BioMed Central, 19 Jan. 2016
"
Alongside developing an individualised wheelchair, it is also important to give first-time users the possibility to practice navigation in a safe manner, prior to being exposed to real-life hazards. A method that is increasing in popularity to provide training for new wheelchair users is Virtual Reality (VR). It is believed that such a training program impacts positively the life of wheelchair users by improving function, reducing abandonment of power wheelchairs, reducing morbidity, mortality and associated costs occurring from power wheelchair accidents [2].
Nonetheless, this method has limitations. It has been reported that some users find it difficult to perceive depth and distance, for example. It is a problem especially occurring in more complex VR environments. This gives the user the feeling of being in an unrealistic domain [3], which defeats the purpose of using virtual reality. Overcoming these limitations is essential to fully take advantage of the benefits VR has to offer and to give users the best experience possible.
This research project would study ways to empower the wheelchair users through assistive technology, focusing on developing a VR system specific to their needs allowing them to conduct safe navigation in everyday life. This would entail in generating appropriate software that analyses incoming data from the wheelchair and user which indicate the user's movement and use the data to navigate within a simulated environment. Necessary hardware will be developed as well for the collection of the relevant signals/data.
Bibliography
[1] "World Health Organization, SEARO Disability Information Document." World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 18 July 2017, origin.searo.who.int/entity/disabilities_injury_rehabilitation/topics/disabilityfactsheet201 3/en/.
[2] Dicianno, Brad E. "Virtual Reality for Power Wheelchair Training - Full Text View." Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov, University of Pittsburgh, 19 June 2018, clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03562455.
[3] Tao1, Gordon, and Philippe S. Archambault1. "Powered Wheelchair Simulator Development: Implementing Combined Navigation-Reaching Tasks with a 3D Hand Motion Controller." Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, BioMed Central, 19 Jan. 2016
"
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Gianluca Marcelli (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Chantal Zorzi (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/T518141/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2025 | |||
| 2466594 | Studentship | EP/T518141/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2023 | Chantal Zorzi |