Stranger than fiction

Moving things around the room or driving weapons systems using the merest flicker of a thought has long been the stuff of fantasy. However, scientists have now brought this technology closer to reality through the development of a mind-controlled wheelchair. Technology has reached a stage where we can envisage a solution that allows the elderly and disabled to be independent with monitoring and services provided remotely. RoboChair is the advanced technology needed for a high-performance, low-cost option that will enable the elderly and disabled to gain increased mobility and live more independently. It is designed to have a user-friendly man-machine interface and a navigation system that includes collision avoidance and path planning. RoboChair is equipped with a new vision system and a 3G wireless communication system so that its carer or relative can monitor and communicate with it remotely when necessary.