BCI-controlled Smart Wheelchair for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients

Abstract

This paper presents the retrofitting and conversion of a standard manually-operated wheelchair to a smart device. This includes the use of an electroencephalography (EEG) based computer interface (BCI) control and integration of an easy-to-assemble mount for the portable power unit that does not require any special tools. An EMOTIV Insight headset was used as the main EEG device. The EEG device is connected to a PC that will be used to send signals to the microcontroller via Bluetooth. Then, these signals will be used to control the speed and direction of the friction-drive power units composed of two-wheel hub type motors each held by a fabricated holder and two 12-VDC batteries in their own fabricated holders. Also, an emergency stop was added for safety usage and operation.