Automation of wheelchair using brain computer interface (BCI) technique

A low-cost brain-computer interfacing technology has been proposed for the automation of wheelchair. The authors have incorporated this interfacing technology by extracting brain –signal by placing electrodes properly on skull. 110-190 million physically challenged people, worldwide, need help to move. Researchers all over the world are suggesting and developing various methodologies in order to address this situation. The most common mode of movement is the use of wheelchair. But a wheelchair is not capable to help the said people to move independently. For them the application of brain computer interface (BCI) for the wheelchair movement is required to make the system automatic. The indigenously developed system is based on receiving, processing and classification of the electroencephalographic (EEG) signals and then controlling the wheelchair by developing a generalized microprocessor program. The signals recorded by the system are processed and classified to recognize the intent of the user. The system is designed using the training data followed by test data which is applied for performance measurement of the control system. The ultimate control of the wheelchair is done under real conditions by speed and direction control commands of the wheelchair. The proposed technique reduces the probability of misclassification and improves the control accuracy of the wheelchair. In this paper the authors have focused on making a cost effective wheelchair supported with BCI to help disabled people to lead an independent life through their brain signals using non-invasive techniques.