An Atypical Chauffeur: Tongue Driven Wheelchair

Abstract

The human body is a machine that enables living and performing various task. Once the functional ability is lost a vital part of life will be compromised. The loss of function may be due to various causes and can be unilateral/bilateral which can be localized to a part or generalized. Various wheelchairs currently available in the market uses electrically powered wheelchairs to allow individuals to complete daily tasks with greater independence and community environments. One of the newer concept in this area is a tongue driven wheelchair system. The tongue as an operating system can be beneficial because unlike the feet and hands, which are connected by brain through spinal cord, the tongue and brain has a direct connection through cranial nerve that generally escapes damage in severe spinal cord injuries or neuromuscular disease. Tongue being a strong muscle provides faster and accurate movements that do not require much concentration or effort. Paralyzed patients can move around independently with the tongue driven wheelchairs creating a huge demand for this assistive technology in future. Further research in the field can make mobility far more accessible to people who are facing various challenges.