Development of a Solar-powered Head Movement Controlled Wheelchair for Enhanced Mobility of Physically Handicapped Individuals: Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This project introduces a solar-powered smart wheelchair designed to improve mobility, independence, and quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities. Unlike conventional wheelchairs that depend on manual or joystick control, this innovative system incorporates hands-free navigation through head movements, gesture sensors, and switches, making it especially beneficial for users with limited or no hand mobility. The wheelchair is powered by a solar panel integrated with a battery backup system, ensuring a sustainable and uninterrupted energy supply, while an external charging option provides reliability in low sunlight conditions. An Arduino microcontroller processes input signals from the sensors and switches to control the motor driver and DC motors, enabling smooth, stable, and safe movement. An LCD display presents real-time updates on movement and battery status, while a voltage indicator ensures timely monitoring of power levels. By integrating renewable energy, smart control systems, and user-friendly features, the proposed design delivers an eco-friendly, accessible, and efficient mobility solution that empowers individuals with disabilities to navigate independently, safely, and with minimal physical effort.

Introduction

Mobility is crucial for independence and quality of life, but people with severe physical disabilities often face challenges with traditional wheelchairs, which require significant hand or arm control. These limitations create dependency on caregivers and reduce personal freedom. To address this, there is a need for innovative mobility solutions that are accessible, reliable, and energy-efficient.

Recent advancements have introduced smart wheelchairs equipped with sensors, microcontrollers, and automation, enabling hands-free navigation via head movements and gestures. Integrating renewable energy, especially solar power, ensures sustainable and uninterrupted operation, crucial for regions with unreliable electricity.

The proposed project focuses on developing a solar-powered smart wheelchair controlled by head movements, gesture sensors, and switches, using an Arduino microcontroller for motor control. It combines solar energy with battery backup and includes real-time monitoring via LCD and voltage indicators, improving independence, safety, and eco-friendliness.

Existing wheelchair systems have several drawbacks: manual or joystick controls are inaccessible to users with severe disabilities, batteries require frequent charging, and most lack renewable energy or smart, hands-free control features.

Literature shows advancements in multi-modal controls (head movement, gestures, voice) and solar power integration, but few combine these with real-time monitoring and user-friendly interfaces. Challenges include power reliability, cost, complexity, and limited accessibility for users with very severe impairments.

The study aims to develop an affordable, energy-efficient, hands-free, solar-powered smart wheelchair with continuous monitoring, enhancing user independence, safety, and sustainability while addressing gaps in current designs.

Conclusion

The development of a solar-powered smart wheelchair represents a significant advancement in assistive mobility technology for physically disabled individuals. By integrating hands-free control through head movements, gesture sensors, and switches, the system provides an accessible and intuitive solution for users with limited or no hand mobility. The inclusion of a solar panel with a battery backup ensures continuous and sustainable operation, reducing dependency on external power sources and enhancing reliability in diverse environments. Arduino-based control and motor driver integration enable smooth, stable, and responsive movement, while real-time monitoring via an LCD display and voltage indicator improves safety and user awareness.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Nilesh Mendhe, Alex Nadar, Divyanshu Sorde, Anubhav Prasad, Dishant Bobate, Maitreya Godghate, Sejal Thakur. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.