Head control for the electric wheelchair

Nod your head and you’re off

This innovation works via glasses that convert the movement of the head into control signals for the electric wheelchair. One nod of your head and you’re off. Go to the right or left, backwards or brake – all without using your hands. If necessary, instructions can be used to support the control. This means that a voice explains the user’s exact approach.

The head control from Munevo allows independent mobility for people with a high level of paralysis. In order to be able to use it, they must be able to move their head at least two centimetres in any direction. Anyone who is getting one of these aids completes a “driving school” under the guidance of experts in Nottwil, Switzerland, before using the system. “Moving and operating can seem very complex at first,” says Guido Bienz, Aid Advisor at Orthotec. “But with a bit of practice, people quickly get to grips with it.” There is also an integrated camera that the users can use to take photographs and share their impressions of their journeys with other people.

The wireless head control from HomeBrace works with infinite variables, meaning that even the speed can be controlled via head movement. Other particular advantages include the battery life of up to 14 hours, simple calibration, independent seat adjustments and individual adaptation of the software to the user. The head control can also be used as a computer mouse in order to operate environmental controls and robot arms, to make telephone calls or listen to music.