The brain-controlled wheelchair project created by a UET Mardan student gives paralysed and disabled people hope.
A talented student of University OF Engineering & Technology Mardan has developed a wheelchair powered by electricity but controlled by human brain.
Through the use of cutting-edge technology, Faizan Akhtar and his crew give those with mobility disabilities a fresh sense of independence and freedom.
An inventive electric wheelchair driven by brain signals has been created by Engineering University Mardan student Adil Bacha. Patients who are paralysed physically but nonetheless have functioning minds can move independently thanks to this ground-breaking device.
Bacha highlighted that the wheelchair allows individuals who are unable to speak to move from one place to another by using brain control.
This invention demonstrates the aptitude of Pakistani students in coming up with answers to societal problems. A drone ambulance was created by two students from Shah Abdul Latif University in Khairpur last year to help those afflicted by flooding. Drones are capable of identifying people in need of assistance and delivering first aid and necessary pharmaceuticals to remote locations that are hard for people to get.
Adil Bacha created the brain-controlled chair, which interprets the user’s brain activity and sends commands to the wheelchair using electroencephalography (EEG) impulses. It functions as follows:
- EEG Sensors:
The user wears an EEG sensor-equipped headband or cap. These sensors pick up electrical signals that come from the brain.
- Signal Processing:
Signal processing involves sending the EEG signals to a microcontroller or computer. Brainwave patterns are analysed by signal processing systems, which then extract pertinent data.
- Brain-Computer Interface (BCI):
The BCI system understands the EEG data and recognises particular patterns linked to various objectives.
- Command Generation:
The BCI creates wheelchair commands based on patterns it has recognised. These orders (such as forward, backward, left, and right) are corresponding to particular movements.
- Control in a wheelchair:
The control system of the wheelchair receives the generated commands electronically. After that, the wheelchair reacts by turning in the intended direction.
- Safety Procedures:
Safety features (such as impediments identified and rapid changes in brain activity) guarantee that the wheelchair will stop when needed. It is also possible to integrate voice instructions or emergency stop buttons.
- Feedback Loop:
Auditory signals or visual cues (LEDs, display) are used to provide feedback to the user. A red light denotes an error, whereas a green light can, for example, indicate that the command was executed successfully.
- Instruction:
To get the system calibrated, the user first goes through training sessions. The BCI gains the ability to link particular brain patterns to intended movements through training.
Though this technology is still in its early stages, it has great potential to improve the lives of those who are paralysed.