NaviGadget

M3S-Based GPS Navchair and Tele-Monitor System

Jan 21, 2009 gps navigation, misc news

National Taiwan University had a project working with power wheelchairs, giving them the ability to be controlled and monitored remotely and while keeping track of them using a GPS receiver.

The aim of this project was to develop a M3S based GPS navigation system for power wheelchairs. The wheelchair can be steered with GPS and electronic compass can move automatically toward a specific destination through a GIS-Map in the computer. This system is now designed to operate in special locations, for example, campuses or airports. In their proposed architecture, modules are easily and securely integrated to the wheelchair, which includes a tele-monitor system implemented with computer network, mobile-phone and physiological sensors. Bio-signals, wheelchair location and other information of the user are acquired by the nursing staff or any other medical personnel by using this system.

We’re not sure how far the project went but we’d like to see more efforts like this help to help people get around easily without getting lost or getting into dangerous places not suitable for wheelchairs.