Michael Sands
Papers
2
Total Citations
48
H-Index
2
About
Michael Sands is a pioneering researcher in the field of assistive robotics, with a focused expertise in autonomous wheelchair navigation for complex, real-world environments. His work addresses the critical challenge of enabling mobility for individuals with disabilities beyond controlled indoor settings. Sands’s major contributions center on developing robust navigation systems capable of operating in dynamic urban landscapes, integrating perception, path planning, and obstacle avoidance to handle the unpredictability of sidewalks, crosswalks, and public spaces. His seminal paper, "Towards Autonomous Wheelchair Systems in Urban Environments" (2010), has garnered 34 citations, laying the groundwork for a new direction in assistive technology. He further advanced this vision with "To the Bookstore! Autonomous Wheelchair Navigation in an Urban Environment" (2013, 14 citations), which demonstrated a practical, real-world deployment of his system. Through this work, Sands has significantly influenced the design of intelligent wheelchairs, pushing the field from laboratory prototypes toward tangible solutions that enhance independence and quality of life for users.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Towards Autonomous Wheelchair Systems in Urban Environments34 citations · 2010
- 2To the Bookstore! Autonomous Wheelchair Navigation in an Urban Environment14 citations · 2013