Every year there are about 175,000 ER visits due to wheelchair injuries. With so many unsafe sidewalks, curbs, and ramps around, most power wheelchair riders have had at least one tip or fall in the past three years. Since power wheelchairs can weigh up to 400 lb., tips and collisions might lead to serious injuries. Luci is a combination of hardware and software that can attach to power wheelchairs to prevent collisions and falling off ramps or curbs. With the device using sensors to monitor the environment, a wheelchair smoothly slows down or stops before a drop-off. Similarly, collision prevention is enabled. Luci also monitors the ground slope and alerts the rider with sound if there is a tipping danger. When tipping occurs, Luci alarms for help and alerts loved ones. A website and an app allow the user to view the data and alert others of the location if the wheelchair battery is low.
Link to purchase
Contact: 800-621-LUCI
Location: Tennessee, US
Summary
Purpose
To prevent power wheelchair tips and collisions
Idea
Add sensors to monitor the environment and adjust the driving accordingly
Further Possibilities
1. Use the technology on motorcycles
2. Use the technology on a walking cane
3. Use the collected data to learn about accident prevention
4. Have wearables that can alert authorities in danger
5. Use self-driving technologies on drones
Questions
1. What might be all the ways to help vehicles prevent accidents?
2. What might be the use of this device in commercial airplanes?
3. How might we use this technology for the blind?
