| Arun Ghosh, Hormis Tharakan, Pradhul Divakar, Rajeev.P and Shajeer Hussain, Rajagiri School of Engineering, Ernakulam |
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Inspired by the book, ‘Ignited Minds’ by President APJ Abdul Kalam, a group of 2nd year students of Rajagiri School of Engineering, Ernakulam have designed the prototype of a voice-operated robotic wheelchair that should provide a quadriplegic with unimaginable independence at home. Their ‘quadribot’, as it has been christened by the boys, was designed after classes and was not a part of the curriculum.
The device consists of an ordinary office chair equipped with bicycle wheels and a truck wiper motor, which is wirelessly connected to a computer. The user can navigate through the house and operate electrical and electronic devices by just voice commands. This would be a boon for quadriplegics who have lost use of both pairs of limbs and are otherwise at the mercy of attendants.
Arun Ghosh, Hormis Tharakan, Pradhul Divakar, Rajeev.P and Shajeer Hussain hit upon the idea of the quadribot after they had designed a voice-controlled vehicle that was displayed at Abhiyanthriki 2003 last February. They, together with their guide Binay Warrier, demonstrated the working of the prototype. By saying only words like “Move” and “Bedroom”, the wheelchair moved from one room to another. Again by voice commands, lights were switched off and on and even a telephone call was made.
According to Warrier, this was the first such utility device in the country. While a motorized wheelchair would cost Rs.1.35 lakhs, this device can be manufactured for Rs.60000, feel the young inventors.
They have dedicated the invention to Dr.Kalam and hope to fine-tune it before the end of their stint in the college. Further, they hope to donate the first workable piece to a quadriplegic child they met at the nearby institution called Home of Faith.
Courtesy: New Indian Express, March 27, 2004
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