Development of a haptic feedback interface for a simulator for manual propulsion of standard and sport wheelchairs

There are about 10 millions manual wheelchair users in developed countries. This has given rise to several problems. Many users suffer from upper-body injuries sustained during propulsion of their wheelchairs. Research needs to be undertaken to suggest ways of reducing those injuries. Wheelchairs can be used in many difficult-to-navigate environments but their users need to have the necessary skills to do. Legislation has been enacted to ensure new buildings are accessible; therefore, architects need tools to evaluate their designs. This research proposes the development of a full-motion manual wheelchair simulator as a way to conduct research which addresses all three of those problems. This simulator will include a visual and sound system, a motion and incline platform, touch feedback at the wheel pushrims, a mathematical model and a control system. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Félix Chénier

Student:

Partner:

Gifu University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

University:

Université du Québec à Montréal

Program:

Globalink Research Award