Article

The design of the mobility enhancement robotic wheelchair (MEBot) was based on
input from electric powered wheelchair (EPW) users regarding the conditions they
encounter when driving in both indoor and outdoor environments that may affect
their safety and result in them becoming immobilized, tipping over, or falling
out of their wheelchair. Phase I involved conducting a participatory design study
to understand the conditions and barriers EPW users found to be difficult to
drive in/over. Phase II consisted of creating a computer-aided design (CAD)
prototype EPW to provide indoor and outdoor mobility that addressed these
conditions with advanced applications. Phase III involved demonstrating the
advanced applications and gathering feedback from end users about the likelihood
they would use the advanced applications. The CAD prototype incorporated advanced
applications, including self-leveling, curb climbing, and traction control, that
addressed the challenging conditions and barriers discussed with EPW users (n =
31) during the participatory design study. Feedback of the CAD design and
applications in phase III from end users (n = 12) showed a majority would use
self-leveling (83%), traction control (83%), and curb climbing (75%). The overall
design of MEBot received positive feedback from EPW users. However, these
opinions will need to be reevaluated through user trials as the design advances.

Langue : ANGLAIS