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AI Case Study

Hoobox Robotics enables wheelchair users to control the motorized machines through their facial expressions

Hoobox Robotics, in collaboration with Intel has develop technology to transform motorized wheelchairs into wheelchairs that can be controlled by 'reading' facial expressions. Wheelchairs are equipped with Intel's 3D RealSense Depth Camera, facial recognition software and sensors and use AI algorithms to process the data gathered in teal time. Tests are currently underway in the US in more than 60 people with quadriplegia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or have age-related disabilities.

Industry

Healthcare

Healthcare Equipment And Supplies

Project Overview

"Working in partnership with Intel, Brazil-based Hoobox Robotics has created the Wheelie 7, a piece of AI-leveraging kit that allows disabled people to control a motorized wheelchair though 10 facial expressions, from raising eyebrows to sticking out tongues.

The tech learns about the user's gestures automatically and takes just seven minutes to install (hence the name "Wheelie 7"). Using an app, the user -- with assistance from a caregiver -- can assign which expressions are linked to the chair's movements. Through a combination of facial recognition software, sensors, robotics and an Intel 3D RealSense Depth Camera that's been mounted on the wheelchair, Wheelie captures a 3D map of the face and uses AI algorithms to process data in real time to direct the wheelchair. The kit works in both sunlight and dim light, and is compatible with 95 percent of motorized wheelchairs currently on the market.

The prototype is currently being tested by more than 60 people in the US, most of whom have quadriplegia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or have age-related disabilities. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, there are around 280,000 people in the US with spinal injuries, and 17,700 new cases every year."

Reported Results

Proof of concept; results not yet available

Technology

"Through a combination of facial recognition software, sensors, robotics and an Intel 3D RealSense Depth Camera that's been mounted on the wheelchair, Wheelie captures a 3D map of the face and uses AI algorithms to process data in real time to direct the wheelchair."

Function

R And D

Product Development

Background

"Motorized wheelchairs are traditionally controlled by a joystick or sensors attached to the user's body, but now innovation in artificial intelligence is helping severely disabled people drive their chairs with their facial expressions."

Benefits

Data

3D map of a face

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