Development of a Smart Wheelchair for Assisted Patient Transfer in Healthcare Facilities

Abstract

People with functional disabilities frequently encounter challenges in performing daily living activities. In this context, transferring a patient from their bed to other locations for daily tasks, such as bathing and toileting, is arduous work, often requiring several caregivers to assist. This process is time-consuming and can lead to secondary issues for the patient, including the risk of back pain and injuries. Current assistive transfer chairs are not fully capable of safe transportation and are often still in early stages of development. The aim of this paper is to address the design and development of a smart body transfer wheelchair that maintains the posture and body angle of an individual in a seated position throughout transitions between beds and other places, and vice versa, for use in hospitals and homes. This automatic wheelchair features a controller with an adjustable backrest, a toilet seat attachment, and height adjustment. It consists of a single linear actuator for height adjustment and two rotary motors for backrest control, integrated with sensors to ensure precise and safe operation. Movement is only enabled when all safety conditions are met, including backrest closure and proper bed positioning. A control panel adjacent to the LCD display allows intuitive manual operation, while the screen provides real-time feedback on chair posture and battery status. An audible buzzer alerts the user to low battery or operational warnings. Preliminary results indicate that the chair supports independent patient movement, reduces caregiver effort, and maintains robust safety and privacy features, highlighting its potential for practical implementation in healthcare settings.