CREW Wheelchair Control System

CREW System

CREW is an electric-powered wheelchair control system designed to be controlled by caregivers. The goal is to bring the benefits of powered wheelchairs to passengers who can’t control them independently.

Powered wheelchairs allow users to travel greater distances from home and make travelling over difficult terrains safer (e.g. hills and rocky roads). However, operating joysticks on powered wheelchairs can be challenging, if not impossible, for the elderly with deteriorating fine motor skills, people with Alzheimer’s, mental illnesses, or neuromuscular disorders, to name a few. CREW is a new alternative for such persons, empowering them to maintain their lifestyles in the face of ageing.

A familiar Control System

CREW features two sensor-fitted handles that look and feel just like those in a conventional manual wheelchair. When a caregiver pushes the handles, the intuitive force-sensing system detects the magnitude and direction of force and intelligently interprets the caregiver’s intentions into smooth motion. To boost the caregiver’s sense of control, CREW purposefully regulates the force they exert (on handles) and the wheelchair speed (motor rpm) in a perfect linear relation. When going downhill, conventional manual wheelchairs require caregivers to pull the handles. With CREW, the caregiver only needs to apply the same force as on level ground to achieve the expected speed. This little change significantly reduces lower-back stress when going downhill and greatly enhances a caregiver’s confidence.

A Control System Designed to Boost Confidence

People feel confident when they have a stronger sense of control. Building on the intelligent linear speed algorithm, CREW has multiple features to improve user safety and comfort.

Straight-line Assistance – CREW can filter out unintentional force difference on the left and right handles to keep the wheelchair moving in a straight line. This is done by constantly comparing changes of forces to real-time torque and speed.

Momentum Preservation – Should the caregiver need a moment to fix their hair or glasses, they could continue pushing forward with one hand. CREW automatically slows down the wheelchair and maintains motion in a straight line.