Design and development of a voice and head movement control system for electric wheelchairs for people with quadriplegia

Abstract

This paper describes the design and implementation of an adaptive control system for an electric wheelchair, designed for users with quadriplegia. The technological proposal integrates a voice recognition module and an inertial system based on an MPU6050 accelerometer/gyroscope, managed by Arduino Nano V3 microcontrollers, with the aim of replacing the traditional controller with a low-cost assisted system (Naylamp Mechatronics, 2015; Alejandrez Espino & López Moreno, 2020). The system architecture was developed using a modular approach, allowing for synergistic interaction between the steering, displacement, and mechanical actuation subsystems. The user interface was mounted on an ergonomic headband-type structure, incorporating input devices without compromising the user's residual mobility (Alejandrez Espino & López Moreno, 2020). Functional tests conducted in controlled and semi-open environments verified the system's operability under real-world conditions. The results demonstrated an efficient response to voice commands and head movements, ensuring precise, safe, and autonomous navigation. This solution represents an ergonomic, functional, and economically viable alternative to commercial devices, with potential for application in technological accessibility and physical rehabilitation programs (El Espectador, 2016).