Engineering Students Unveils a Promising Innovation

Eye movement controlled wheelchair, an innovative project presented by a team of computer engineering students, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, is designed to help people who have weak arms and muscles.

The mechanism comprises a 12-Volt motor, which controls the speed that the wheelchair moves, at the maximum speed of 60 meters per minute. Attached to the seat are two web cameras, the front camera tracks the eye movement, while the back camera functions like a back mirror. The seat can take up to 120 kilograms of weight.

“Users can use their eye movement to move the wheelchair in four directions: forward, backward, left, and right. Once captured, the eye movement will undergo image processing and analysis, then the wheelchair will move accordingly. For example, opening both eyes and looking straight means move forward,” said a team representative. The team members included Kriengkrai Prachumchalaad, Namfon Chaubyen, and Sittichok Chuahau, all fourth-year computer engineering students, with Ajarn Samattachai Chantarat as the advisor.

The eye movement controlled wheelchair is suitable for people with multiple disabilities. This prototype unit needs further refinement, specifically using smaller cameras and replacing a computer-controlled system with an embedded system board, which can be attached on the wheelchair itself.

For more information about the project, contact Ajarn Samattachai at 081 431 9406.