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Electric Wheelchair With Joystick Joysticks in power wheelchairs can greatly increase the user's independence and make it easier to use. However, standardized joysticks can be incompatible with the individualized features of hand impairment. This study assessed the efficacy and satisfaction of custom-designed power wheelchair Joysticks made with 3D printing. The evaluation was conducted using the modified power-mobility assessment (PIDA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index and Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale. Control The control system for a power chair includes two important elements: the joystick and the electronic. The standard joysticks are usually mounted to either the left or right sides of the chair, whereas more advanced rehab chairs could include swing-away mounts that permit the joystick to be moved into the centre of the seat. The way that a joystick is mounted and used will play an important role in determining whether it will be a success for a specific user. For instance in the case of someone who has a significant amount of tremors, then it is crucial to ensure the joystick is designed in such a way that these actions will not cause accidental activations of the chair. Standard EPW joysticks typically use proportional input devices that respond to the level of deflection on the gimbal to control the movement of the chair (similar to an accelerator pedal or video game controller). There are numerous alternative control options for power wheelchairs that require only a little force to activate. Switch controls, sip-and-puff controls as well as head arrays and the chin controls are all there. Certain of these controls require an additional interface to connect to the wheelchair. However, most of them work with new joysticks that incorporate Bluetooth into the handles. A few standard wheelchair joysticks come with a screen to show the state of the system and to provide feedback to the users. This is especially useful for people who are cognitively or visually impaired. Some advanced joysticks can control many different accessories, including the TV, environmental controls and tablet. Whatever technology is employed, a joystick can only be as effective if the user finds it comfortable to use. Therefore, it is essential to consider the size and position of the joystick's buttons to ensure they are easily accessible. It is also important to take into consideration the sensitivity of the joystick which can be adjusted to a range of levels based on the specific needs of the user. Comfort A joystick-controlled wheelchair has many advantages that manual chairs do not have. They minimize fatigue triggered by operational issues and permit longer travel distances than manual-operated counterparts. They can also be used in areas with limited space or more challenging terrain like outdoor slopes and uneven surfaces. This added independence gives users a new freedom of movement and a feeling of freedom. A variety of different powered wheelchairs are offered with a wide range of options. The amount of bells and whistles on the specific model will depend on the requirements of the user and their wants. Some of the most commonly used features are: Controls that can be customized on an electric wheelchair with a joystick can be made to meet individual needs. This includes the type and location of the ball, knob, or handle. Some joysticks are placed at the top of the dominant armrest while others are located either on the back or front of the seat for easy access by the attendant. They may also be mounted on the sides of the seat for those who have limited shoulder mobility or muscles that are weak. Other features are more personalised including the design and size of the joystick screen. Some are backlit or in the color of a display that is easier to read for those who have low vision. Some models have additional modes that provide visual or audio navigation cues. Other models could include odometers, clocks, and indicators of battery charge. The ability of a joystick to move in a limited turning radius is also essential. The best models will have a smaller turning radius, which makes it easier to maneuver through obstacles and narrow spaces, such as hallways. The narrow turning radius allows for easier maneuvering in public spaces and in stores. This tight turning circle is especially beneficial for those suffering from mobility issues, like cerebral palsy or other mobility issues, like multiple sclerosis, ALS and Huntington's Disease, brainstem injury or spinal cord stroke. Safety Power wheelchairs are designed with safety in mind. They have robust brake systems that can reduce the speed quickly when the consumer presses the joystick control. The chairs also have anti-tip rear wheels to prevent the chair from tipping forward. The most popular type of joystick is a proportional control which is similar to accelerator pedals as well as video game controllers in that the more the joystick moves away from center, the faster the wheelchair moves. These types of joysticks require intact proprioception and finger dexterity in order to function efficiently. A standard joystick is usually placed on the armrest but a variety of different specific controls are available that mount the control in the middle or at the sides of the seat. Some people may not have the strength to withstand the force of a joystick, even with the help of special rigging. This could be the case for those who suffer from spasticity, which can cause muscles to stiffen or even die (atrophy). In these instances it might be beneficial to use a head-control unit that converts the movements of the user's body into the commands for the wheelchair. Another factor to consider is the size and position of buttons on the joystick. If the buttons are too far forward or hard to reach, they could affect the seating position of the user and cause a strain on the hands. On the other hand, if the joystick is placed too far backward, it can be difficult to turn the wheels or move the chair through tight spaces. Finally, an electric wheelchair is best used with the seatbelt fastened. Seatbelts must always be fastened when using an electric wheelchair. The most powerful wheelchairs can travel as fast as 8mph. It is also crucial to keep batteries charged regularly, at least every night if possible. This will ensure longer life and keep their effectiveness. It's also an excellent idea to schedule regular maintenance on your chair to ensure all parts are working properly. Accessories Joysticks are a key element of power wheelchairs and can be enhanced with a variety of accessories. These range from simple switches to more advanced interfaces that can be connected to communication devices or even external environmental control units. Higher-end power wheelchairs will often have a variety of controller components that can meet the requirements of different users. A non-expandable control can only accept the proportional stick as an input device while an expandable model can also take sip and puff controls, special switches, as well head array systems. Some of the more advanced controllers are capable of operating up to two power seating actuators which can alter the seat's angle and position of the seat. The most common type of joystick that is prescribed in clinics is a proportional joystick, also known as a motion-sensing joystick. This kind of joystick, similar to accelerator pedals in cars and video game controllers, responds to the force applied on the stick by increasing its output (i.e. The speed of the wheelchair increases as the stick moves away from the center. This requires a lot of dexterity as well as a strong proprioception for efficient use. Although the technology used today can be used to compensate for small variations in amplitude in EPW driving but it is not able to detect and adjust to many more severe unintentional movements, such as those caused by larger magnitude tremors or other involuntary movements that are not accompanied by conscious intent, like athetosis.5 In the meantime, until we develop and implement new technologies that are able to reliably detect and adapt to these kinds of unintentional movement, many people with conditions like athetosis, MS, ALS or spinal cord injuries won't be able safely to use an electric power chair. small lightweight electric wheelchair can be customised and programmed by a clinician. These parameters include changing the torque produced by the motor, altering the speed of the chair and setting the dead zone which is the amount within which the EPW cannot produce an output. Some controllers also permit the clinician to store backup programs. This is helpful in an emergency or when a patient's symptoms change.