Wheelchair control system using infrared sensors and tongue movements

Creating wheelchair control systems for people with spinal cord injuries, especially quadriplegics, is crucial for their rehabilitation. Since the tongue is easy to control and highly flexible, it has proven to be an excellent tool for steering wheelchairs. This study presents a new method that doesn’t rely on magnets like older systems but instead uses the tongue to turn three infra-red (IR) sensors on or off, working as switches. The design includes three pairs of IR transmitters and receivers placed across from each other inside a small 3D-printed construct. This construct is worn on the face, and when the user places their tongue into a specific slot, it blocks the IR beam between the transmitter and receiver. This action allows the user to move the wheelchair in three directions: forward, right and left. To validate the system’s practical applicability, it was integrated with and successfully tested on a full-sized electric wheelchair, demonstrating its effectiveness in a real-world scenario. To further illustrate the control concept during development, a miniature wheelchair model was also built using laser-cut technology for trials in a controlled environment. The results from both testbeds showed that this system works reliably, offering a simple and non-invasive solution for people with severe mobility limitations.
A schematic diagram illustrating the operational workflow of the tongue-controlled wheelchair system. On the left, a person is shown sitting in a wheelchair while wearing the mouth interface. Three numbered steps are shown: 1) A close-up of the user’s face shows the tongue interrupting an infrared signal within the device. 2) The electrical circuit analyzes this signal and sends commands via Bluetooth. 3) The wheelchair’s control circuit receives these commands to move the chair.

This study introduces a novel infra-red sensor-based method as an alternative to traditional magnet-based tongue control systems for wheelchair navigation.
By shifting to an IR-based mechanism, it provides a potentially more accessible and adaptable control interface for individuals with severe motor disabilities.
The open-source availability of all circuit schematics and programming code ensures that researchers, developers and rehabilitation professionals can easily replicate, test and refine the proposed system.
This openness not only fosters innovation but also paves the way for integrating this solution into real-world assistive mobility devices, ultimately expanding personalised options in the field of rehabilitation technology.

This study introduces a novel infra-red sensor-based method as an alternative to traditional magnet-based tongue control systems for wheelchair navigation.
By shifting to an IR-based mechanism, it provides a potentially more accessible and adaptable control interface for individuals with severe motor disabilities.
The open-source availability of all circuit schematics and programming code ensures that researchers, developers and rehabilitation professionals can easily replicate, test and refine the proposed system.
This openness not only fosters innovation but also paves the way for integrating this solution into real-world assistive mobility devices, ultimately expanding personalised options in the field of rehabilitation technology.