Smart Assistive Mobility: Controlling an Electric Wheelchair Using Brain-Computer Interface Technology (Extension)
Supervisor Name
Ahmad Albalasie
Supervisor Email
abalasie@birzeit.edu
University
Birzeit University
Research field
Mechanical Engineering
Bio
Dr. Ahmad Albalasie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at Birzeit University in Palestine since 2016, where he also served as the Department Chair for a three-year term. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechatronics Engineering from Technische Universität Berlin, Germany, in 2016. Dr. Albalasie also holds a Master of Science degree in Automatic Control Technologies from Politecnico di Torino, Italy (2012), and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU), Palestine (2008). Dr. Albalasie began his academic career at PPU, where he served as a lecturer for one year and a research and teaching assistant for two years before that. His research interests are focused on variable stiffness actuators, robust control, optimal control (with a particular emphasis on model predictive control), haptic control, the control of under-actuated robots, and floating parallel marine robots. He has authored numerous publications in these areas, contributing significantly to the advancement of research in these fields.
Independent mobility is a fundamental aspect of personal autonomy and social inclusion. However, individuals with severe physical disabilities, particularly those with complete motor impairments due to conditions like high-level spinal cord injuries, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke-related speech impairments, or advanced muscular dystrophy, often face significant barriers to mobility. For these individuals, conventional mobility aids, such as manual and powered wheelchairs, are insufficient because they require physical input, such as hand or arm movements. Studies have shown that 5-10% of wheelchair users are unable to effectively operate existing wheelchair technology due to their physical limitations, which leads to increased dependency on caregivers and a diminished quality of life. Furthermore, access to advanced assistive technologies remains limited in many regions, especially in economically disadvantaged or politically constrained areas like Palestine, particularly Gaza. The lack of affordable, functional mobility devices in these regions exacerbates the marginalization of individuals with severe disabilities. This not only impedes their social interactions, access to education, and participation in community life but also has a profound psychological impact, contributing to feelings of isolation and dependence, particularly in communities with limited support systems. To address this critical gap, the project proposes the development of an innovative brain-controlled wheelchair, harnessing Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology to translate brain signals into navigational commands. This will empower individuals with complete physical disabilities to independently control their mobility. Unlike traditional powered wheelchairs, which still require some form of physical input, the brain-controlled wheelchair will operate entirely through the user's cognitive intent, offering a truly hands-free solution. The proposed solution will use a non-invasive BCI to detect electrical activity in the brain via EEG and convert specific brainwave patterns associated with movement intention into directional commands. With a focus on affordability and usability, this project aims to create a device that not only meets the needs of individuals with complete motor impairments but also is also financially accessible and functional within resource-constrained environments. Leveraging open-source hardware and software, alongside recent advancements in low-cost EEG technology, will be key to ensuring the solution remains both effective and affordable.
