Microcontroller Based Joystick Controlled Wheelchair

Abstract

When people are unable to walk properly due to old age or as a result of some accident or paralysis due to stroke they may often lose their ability to control their movement and means to travel from one place to another.The prime objective of this research was to develop a prototype system which can provide mobility assistance to individuals.This thesis investigates the method of locomotion via a wheelchair which is controlled using input from a joystick and is analyzed via a microcontroller and out drives the motor. This thesis also consider the design consideration of a simple, low cost battery driven wheelchair where the control is achieved using a microcontroller. Two dc motors are differentially driven using PWM signal from microcontroller which provide easy control over speed and direction. There are further proposed design consideration which includes self-sustaining power supply using PV cells with the wheelchair and also long distance wireless control and use of sensors for autonomous control of the wheelchair.