This paper showshowthe proper design of a navigation system
can increase the autonomy and the security of commercial powered
wheelchairs. The design was based on the analysis of the
user’sneedsbyinterviewingpeoplewithdifferent disabilitiesand
by the analysis of the relevant literature. This preliminary design
phase demonstrated the demand for increasing autonomy of the
users with motor disabilities both at home and in their working
environment, and a positive attitude (mainly in young persons)
toward theuseof high-techdevices.Theintervention of the user to
complete a complex task demanded from a high-tech device (for
example, a navigation task in a dead-lock situation) is not considered
a severe limitation of the system. Facing some difficulties
in a job is regarded as a challenge but interaction with the system
should be kept to a minimum so as not to stress the user too much.
The above considerations led to the development of the described
navigationmoduleandto its integrationonacommercialpowered
wheelchair in order to increase the autonomy and the security
levels of users. The robotic system was designed taking into
accountusability, acceptability,efficiencyandcostcriteria.