Arduino-Based Smart Wheelchair with Obstacle Detection and Joystick Control

Abstract

Mobility assistance devices play a vital role in improving the quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities, paralysis, age-related limitations, or impaired motor functions. Conventional manual wheelchairs require significant physical effort, while commercially available smart or motorized wheelchairs are often expensive and inaccessible. This paper presents the design and development of a Smart Wheelchair using Arduino UNO, aimed at providing an affordable, safe, and user-friendly mobility solution. The proposed system integrates Arduino UNO, ultrasonic sensors, joystick control, and an L298N motor driver to enable intelligent navigation. The wheelchair responds to user input through a joystick and employs real-time obstacle detection to prevent collisions by automatically stopping or altering movement. The microcontroller processes sensor data and generates appropriate motor control signals, ensuring smooth and precise movement in forward, backward, and turning directions. The system is designed to be low-cost, modular, and easily scalable. Experimental testing confirms that the wheelchair successfully detects obstacles, provides stable movement, and enhances user safety.