Intelligent wheelchair control strategies for older adults with cognitive impairment: user attitudes, needs, and preferences

Intelligent powered wheelchairs can increase mobility and independence for older adults with cognitive impairment by providing collision avoidance and navigation support. The level and/or type of control desired by this target population during intelligent wheelchair use have not been previously explored. In this paper, we present user attitudes, needs, and preferences in a study conducted with a mock intelligent wheelchair offering three different modes of user control. Users wanted to be in the loop during wheelchair operation and/or high-level decision making, and also provided specific contexts where an autonomous wheelchair would be helpful. Participants identified benefits of and concerns with intelligent wheelchairs, along with desired features and functionality. The paper presents the implication of these findings and provides specific recommendations for future intelligent wheelchair development and deployment.