The Sri Sai Ram Engineering College Student Branch project Smart Outdoor Wheel Chair using IOT for the Paralyzed aims to impact the community by providing individuals living with paralysis in India with increased mobility, independence, and access to healthcare monitoring.
The team has integrated advanced technologies into a wheelchair that will enhance the quality of life for many individuals and potentially reduce their reliance on caregivers. Since the beginning of this project in early 2023, the biggest success of the project has been the successful integration of advanced technologies into a functional prototype. The wheelchair’s autonomous navigation system, health monitoring sensors, and user-friendly interface are significant achievements that demonstrate the project’s potential to improve the lives of individuals with paralysis.
This project is part of the EPICS in IEEE Access and Abilities Competition and student team members reflected on their experience and the skills and knowledge they gained throughout the project.
Getting Involved
The Access and Abilities competition allowed university students to use their engineering skills to help solve accessibility issues within their communities. Through service learning projects, IEEE Student Branches can engage their members in a humanitarian-focused activity. The Sri Sai Ram Engineering College Student Branch applied to be part of the competition. The Smart Outdoor Wheel Chair using IOT for the Paralyzed is one of several funded projects from the college. The team members selected this project because it aligns with their interests and drive for local community impact.
“I was drawn to this project by its potential to combine my passion for technology with a meaningful impact on people’s lives. The opportunity to develop innovative solutions for individuals with paralysis using IoT technology resonated deeply with me, motivating my involvement in the project,” said Team member Vijayendiran A G, Department of Electronics and Communication student and overall Electronics Lead in the project team.
The team lead’s involvement also stemmed from a personal interest in making a meaningful impact and a passion for technology and innovation. “The interdisciplinary nature of the project appealed to my diverse skill set and allowed me to contribute across multiple domains, from engineering to healthcare,” said Gnana Padmesh C K, Team Lead and Software Lead in the project team. “Furthermore, the opportunity to lead a team in tackling a complex and socially significant challenge was both exciting and rewarding. Overall, a combination of personal motivation, alignment with my values, and the chance to apply and expand my skills drove my involvement in this project.”
“The project theme truly touched an emotional chord with me to combine technology and healthcare to provide individuals with more mobility and independence. It seemed like an opportunity to truly impact people’s lives,” said Shanmugha Jeyashree, IOT enthusiast in the project team.
Lessons Learned
What sets EPICS in IEEE projects apart is the unique learning experience that students experience. They learn and strengthen their technical and professional skills which can help them in their engineering careers.
“The project taught invaluable lessons in empathy-driven design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and resilience. Understanding users’ needs emphasized the importance of empathy in product development. Overcoming technical challenges underscored the necessity of adaptability and perseverance. These lessons not only enriched my technical skills but also shaped my approach to problem-solving and teamwork, preparing me for future endeavors.” said Vijayendiran A G, the Electronics Lead on the project team.
According to the team, the project had challenges and setbacks along the way that helped the students learn. To accommodate these challenges, the team regularly communicated and collaborated to adjust the project timeline, priorities, and strategies. Flexibility and adaptability were key in overcoming setbacks and ensuring the project’s success for the team.
“The biggest lesson learned from this project was the importance of interdisciplinary Collaboration,” said Sidharth K. A., Fabrication and Hardware Project Lead. “Developing a smart autonomous wheelchair requires expertise from various fields, including engineering, healthcare, and user experience design. Working together with professionals from different backgrounds helped us create a more comprehensive and effective solution.”
Many students reflect that service learning projects help them prepare for careers because these projects are different from their traditional engineering classes. They differ due to the project’s interdisciplinary nature, requiring a blend of engineering, healthcare, and IoT knowledge. Working on a service-learning project emphasizes practical application over theory, offers hands-on experience, and addresses real-world challenges.
When asked if this project helped prepare for a future career, Jeyashree replied “Absolutely! This project has been a fantastic springboard for my career. It’s allowed me to dive deep into practical applications, merging my love of technology with real-world solutions. I’ve honed my skills in integrating sensors and designing systems for the Internet of Things, all with the incredible goal of improving mobility and independence for those who need it most.”
The team reflected on the technical and professional skills they gained and felt that this project provided them with a well-rounded, comprehensive skill set. Technical skills such as IoT technology, sensor integration, embedded systems development, and machine learning algorithms, were crucial for developing the smart wheelchair.
Project Overview
The main technologies used in the project included 
Raspberry Pi for the controller, MY1016 motors for propulsion, various sensors such as GPS, accelerometer, and health monitoring sensors, and a camera module for object detection. Additionally, the project utilized machine learning algorithms for gesture control and object detection, and IoT technologies for connectivity.
The team worked with Dr. V S Natarajan Geriatric Foundation community partner throughout their project. “Working with a non-profit partner provided several benefits, such as access to resources, expertise, and a broader network of stakeholders. However, it also presented challenges, including coordination and communication issues, as well as aligning project goals with the partner’s mission and objectives,” said Gnana Padmesh.
The project’s next steps include further refining the prototype based on user feedback and testing, integrating additional features such as voice control and extended reality functionalities, and exploring opportunities for commercialization or deployment in real-world settings. Additionally, the team plans to continue collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the project meets the needs of the community it serves.
The Impact of EPICS in IEEE Funding
The funding from EPICS in IEEE has been crucial and allowed the team the ability to purchase the necessary hardware, sensors, and other components needed to build the prototype. Overall, the funding has greatly supported the success of the project and the unique learning opportunity experienced by the entire team.
“The EPICS in IEEE experience is more applied and real-world focused while classes typically focus on theoretical concepts and individual assignments. This project required us to work together as a team to solve a real-world problem. It also involved working with external partners and stakeholders, which added a layer of complexity and authenticity to the project,” said Sidharth K.A.
“The project has been a profound learning experience, yielding several significant lessons. Bringing together experts from various fields such as engineering, healthcare, and IoT technology was crucial for developing a comprehensive, accessible, and cost-effective solution for individuals with mobility impairments,” said Gnana Padmesh C K, the Project Leader.
EPICS in IEEE is proud of the great work accomplished by this team and thrilled with the learning outcomes seen by the students. A special thanks to the Jon C. Taenzer fund, and the IEEE Foundation, for supporting this project as well as the other Access and Abilities competition projects.
Recent Comments