Taking a step further in helping people on wheelchairs, HOOBOX — a company that specialises in building robotic solutions to help people — has rolled out an all new Intel-powered HOOBOX Robotics’ Wheelie 7. This new motorised wheelchair powers itself on Intel’s AI technology and provide users with an ability to control the chair using their facial expressions.
Taking just seven minutes to install, the Wheelie 7 kit allows users to pick from ten facial expressions to control their motorized wheelchair – moving forward, turning and stopping. Instead of invasive body sensors, the Wheelie 7 uses a 3D Intel RealSense Depth Camera SR300 mounted on the wheelchair to stream data that AI algorithms process in real time to control the chair. Given the importance of immediate responsiveness, HOOBOX uses Intel® Core™ processors and the Intel® Distribution of OpenVINO™ Toolkit to accelerate the inferencing of facial recognition software.
Talking about this development, Anna Bethke, leader of AI for Social Good at Intel says,
Today on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it’s important to recognize the ways technology can help people regain mobility and control of their lives. The Wheelie 7 kit from HOOBOX Robotics is a great example of using AI to enable people with limited mobility to move around using natural facial movements.
You can see the wheelchair live in action, right here:
