New Wheelchair Collision Avoidance Device For The Visually Impaired
Published 29th Sep 2004 by Andy Fox

A student from the University of Brighton has designed a device intended to prevent the collision of wheelchairs used by the visually impaired and others with disabilities which hinder effective control.

?HapStick?, developed in collaboration with REMAP ? Technical Equipment for Disabled People, is a retrofit joystick attachment for electric wheelchairs. It exerts degrees of resistance on the joystick according to obstacle range, communicating to the user that it is unsafe to advance.

Andrew Fox, the designer of the product explains: ?HapStick is intended, not to be vision substitution but to aid understanding of surrounding areas; the device works to prevent collision and therefore increase independence.?

Dr John Downie from the University of Brighton notes that the device has ?great potential not only for the disabled but also for other applications using joysticks such as forklift trucks where the driver?s vision is often restricted due to loads in confined areas.?

HapStick uses ultrasonic sensors placed around the wheelchair to detect objects within range. The signal is decoded in the control box where a motor actuates the device via a cable. The cable wraps around the drive, inside the attachment causing rotation and the barrel to raise and lower. A rigid plastic collar, attached to the inside of the barrel by rubber bellows partially restricts movement of the stick giving resistance when raised. As the rubber bellows are flexible, they allow the joystick to advance fully if the user requires. The user can easily switch off the system by a large button on top of the control box. Braille is used on the button for the visually impaired.

Still in its concept stage, HapStick is already an RSA Awards entry and is currently undergoing application to the European Design for All and Assistive Technology Awards.

For information: www.adfox.co.uk/hapstick or contact: mail@adfox.co.uk

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