MUMBAI, India, July 11 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202541060541 A) filed by R. M. K. Engineering College, Chennai, India, on June 25, for 'a hybrid voice and gesture control wheelchair.'
Inventor(s) include Rosaline S; and Elakkiya Sri M B.
The application for the patent was published on July 11, under issue no. 28/2025.
According to the abstract released by the Intellectual Property India: "The present invention discloses a Hybrid Voice and Gesture Control Wheelchair, an advanced assistive mobility system designed to provide dual-mode control for individuals with physical or neurological impairments. The invention integrates voice recognition and gesture detection technologies into a single, microcontroller-based control unit that enables seamless operation of a motorized wheelchair. Users can navigate the wheelchair through spoken commands or predefined hand movements, offering flexibility and accessibility in varying physical or environmental conditions. The system includes a voice command module that employs natural language processing to interpret basic navigational instructions such as "move forward," "turn left," or "stop." Simultaneously, the gesture module detects directional movements through wearable sensors or optical tracking to translate hand gestures into motion commands. An intelligent switching mechanism enables the user to alternate between voice and gesture modes either manually or automatically based on real-time situational needs-such as background noise or physical fatigue. To ensure safety, the wheelchair is equipped with obstacle detection sensors, an emergency stop function, and user feedback systems using lights and/or audio signals. A learning algorithm further enhances performance by adapting to the user's preferences and usage behavior over time. The system is compatible with existing powered wheelchair frames and is especially useful in home, hospital, and rehabilitation environments. This invention represents a significant advancement in inclusive assistive technology by providing a smart, adaptive, and user-friendly mobility solution that restores independence and improves quality of life for people with limited motor control."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
