Navigating Independence through Innovation
The SMARTER Center’s Autonomous Wheelchair represents a breakthrough in mobility technology for travelers with disabilities. Developed through five years of intensive research at Morgan State University, this innovative solution empowers individuals to navigate busy transportation hubs independently, without requiring an attendant.
Our team of researchers has transformed conventional powered wheelchairs into cutting-edge autonomous mobility devices. By retrofitting these wheelchairs with advanced perception systems—including cameras and LIDAR sensors similar to those used in autonomous vehicles—we’ve created a reliable mobility solution that provides flexibility and independence to those who need it most.
Key Features
- Autonomous Navigation: Advanced cameras and LIDAR sensors continuously map surroundings, allowing the wheelchair to safely navigate complex environments.
- Comfortable Travel Speeds: The wheelchair moves at natural walking speeds (2.5-4 miles per hour), ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for passengers.
- Dual Navigation Options: Available in both guided and trackless versions, the wheelchair can either follow predefined paths or navigate freely through open environments.
- Mobile App Integration: Users can call and control the wheelchair directly from their smartphones, enhancing convenience.
- Versatile Applications: Perfect for large facilities such as airports, hospitals, museums, and college campuses where navigation can be challenging for individuals with mobility limitations.
Real-World Implementation: BWI Airport Pilot Program
The Autonomous Wheelchair is currently undergoing comprehensive pilot testing at Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport. The program tests the wheelchair’s capabilities in a real-world, high-traffic environment, following a journey that takes passengers from the airport entrance, through security checkpoints, and on to their designated gates.
Starting with a single prototype, the program has now expanded to include three operational units, demonstrating the technology’s reliability and growing adoption.
Development Journey
The current Autonomous Wheelchair represents the fourth iteration of this groundbreaking technology, culminating from more than five years of research and development. Our multidisciplinary team has continually refined the design, sensors, and navigation systems to create a solution that delivers both performance and practicality.
Future Directions
As we continue to refine the Autonomous Wheelchair technology, our team is developing enhanced versions with expanded capabilities, including:
- Improved obstacle detection and avoidance algorithms
- Extended battery life for longer operational periods
- Enhanced user interface options
- Integration with existing transportation management systems