A recent Tennessee Tech graduate, Kadyn Brady, has made significant strides in the field of assistive technology by developing an autonomous electric wheelchair prototype, motivated by a personal drive to aid individuals with physical challenges like his late grandmother Lois, who suffered from dementia and arthritis. Before her passing, difficulties in controlling her electric wheelchair led Brady to envision a solution that would provide autonomy and safety for those with mobility impairments.
While pursuing his master’s in electrical engineering, Brady embarked on this pioneering venture, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence and advanced control systems into a standard electric wheelchair. His work, which was part of his project for Research and Creative Inquiry Day at Tennessee Tech, extended over countless hours of meticulous testing on the university’s varied sidewalks.
Leveraging an amalgamation of GPS, light sensors, movement sensors, and sensor fusion, this initiative proves to be an embodiment of educational prowess, demonstrating how Tennessee Tech fosters an environment where real-world challenges meet innovative solutions.
The autonomous wheelchair by Brady has been equipped to make intelligent decisions in real time, avoiding obstacles and traversing drivable pathways with ease. “This would require a means to recognize the boundaries of drivable pathways, objects that may obstruct the path, the layout of the paths in a large area, and the system’s current position within the layout of the sidewalk paths,” Brady explained.
His success is evident as he has managed to navigate the complex campus terrain safely and autonomously. The prototype’s capability to respond to verbal commands to reach a desired destination is a testament to Brady’s dedication and the high caliber of education at Tennessee Tech.
Despite the significant progress made, there are no immediate plans to commercialize the autonomous electric wheelchair. Both Brady and his advisor, Professor Ali Alouani, acknowledge that additional developments are necessary to make it a viable option for indoor use and to ensure comprehensive safety for public use. “More work is needed to add more capabilities to the wheelchair and to ensure that it is safe to drive anywhere. We are looking for funding sources to bring this wheelchair to a commercial level,” Alouani stated.
Brady’s project transcended technical education; it honed his abilities in research, organization, problem-solving, and programming. The endeavor solidified his decision to join the aerospace industry post-graduation, where he continues to apply the controls and machine-learning concepts initially explored during the project. Both Alouani and Brady’s other advisor, Tarek Elfouly, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, provided invaluable guidance throughout the development of this remarkable project.
Professor Alouani proudly stated, “Kadyn’s work is a testimony that Tennessee Tech can compete anywhere in the world when it comes to technology innovations.” With the introduction of affordable solutions like the autonomous electric wheelchair, the potential for positive impacts on the lives of those with mobility independence is immense. Tennessee Tech is actively seeking grants, hoping that future engineering students can carry forward the torch ignited by Brady’s empathy-driven innovation.
As Kadyn Brady’s invention awaits enhancements to reach commercial levels, his story serves as inspiration, strongly advocating that accessibility, autonomy, and safety should take center stage in engineering’s mission to mitigate the challenges faced by people with physical disabilities. His grandmother’s legacy continues with every milestone his prototype achieves, paving the way for an inclusive and mobile future.
