UMOBILITY PROJECT

Goals and Performance Criteria

With feedback from the Kevin G. Langan School and in-person observations of first prototype (Version 1.0), we approached UMobility (Version 2.0) with the following design goals and performance criteria:

Improved Design

One of our goals is to improve the existing prototype with feedback from the Langan school.

Minimally Invasive

To make UMobility easily replicable, it is important that the process of retrofitting the Wild Thing is as minimally invasive as possible.

Easy to Build

UMobility is easy to replicate. We have used tools and parts that are off-the-shelf. Our software is open source. A construction manual for both the control system and the seating structure is also provided.

Cost Effective

Since commercial wheelchairs can very expensive (some costing over $10,000), our target goal is to build UMobility for under $1500. We built it for $1050.

Durable

It is important to us that the structure, control system, and peripheral devices are durable and easily maintainable.

Easy to Use

We want our user interface to be intuitive and our design choices are made with this in mind.

Accurate Movement

UMobility corrects the veering of our first prototype and provides accurate movement.

More Features

UMobility can be controlled either with ability switches or a joystick. It supports both proportional and non-proportional joystick control.

Supports System Diagonsis

As a preventative measure, a system diagnostic software is prototyped to allow users to debug individual hardware components and features.

Truly Open Source

The end goal of the UMobility Project is to turn a one-time senior thesis into an easily replicable, open source product. This website is built with the intention to provide a one-stop shop for replicating a high quality low-cost wheelchair for children.