Neurocybernetic Assistive Technologies to Enhance Robotic Wheelchair Navigation
Poly Rani Ghosh 1*, Maria Afnan 1, Joy Biswas 1
Journal of Primeasia 4(1) 1-6 https://doi.org/10.25163/primeasia.4140044
Submitted: 13 February 2023 Revised: 17 April 2023 Published: 19 April 2023
Abstract
Millions of individuals worldwide face mobility impairments and rely on wheelchairs for assistance. Yet a significant portion of individuals with severe motor disabilities or insufficient familiarity with conventional interfaces cannot consider powered wheelchairs as a viable solution. Neurocybernetics present a promising solution to this challenge. Neurocybernetics involves exploring how the nervous system interacts with systems, like computers and robots. Through the use of interfaces users can control wheelchairs using neural signals from their brains making navigation more intuitive and effective. Assistive technologies, especially robotic wheelchairs powered by sensors and control systems, are essential for those disabled people, with mobility issues, to live more independently and better lives in their daily life even without the assistance of others. The primary objective of this study is to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities who depend on such assistance for their mobility requirements. This article examines some of the cutting-edge neurocybernetic devices that assist people with disabilities, such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), algorithms to understand brain signals, and adaptive control methods for wheelchairs. This study proposes a robotic wheelchair which utilizes the human brain signal and undergoes machine learning based classification model with neuromorphic adaptive control. It discusses the key considerations, difficulties, and potential uses of neurocybernetic robotic wheelchairs in real life situations. Additionally, it addresses the ethical, legal, and societal implications of using these technologies and suggests future research areas to advance their creation and use.
Keywords: Neurocybernetics, Robotic Wheelchairs. Brain-Computer Interfaces, Assistive Technologies, Mobility Impairments.
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