What do users want from "smart" wheelchairs?

Abstract

Technological advances have made it possible to integrate a variety of functions into "smart" wheelchairs that include robotics but also sensors that support telehealth and communication applications. The purpose of this study was to identify possible features that current older adult wheelchair users identify as being most helpful and most important and to use scenarios to determine acceptability of potential features. A small pilot study including 5 wheelchair users residing an assisted living facility was conducted that included a questionnaire and a focus group. The participants identified safety-related features as most helpful and important. Within the scenarios presented, the safety-related features were identified as highly acceptable. Features that were available with current technology (e.g. communication with family) were least highly rated. While more research is needed on user preferences, "smart" wheelchair developers will want to include user preferences and focus on safety and telehealth features.