Martin C Langner, MPhil CEng MIET
Chailey Heritage School

The SCAD (Sensor Collision Avoidance Device) was created to offer an alternative to a track guidance system. It can help guide the driver through doorways, corridors and reduces the risk of collisions with people and objects nearby. It is being used in special schools and rehabilitation centres around the UK and was first created as part of a research project about technologically assisted wheelchair driving and training.

The presentation will describe the development of the SCAD and how it has been applied to a variety of powered wheelchairs. The conditions in which the system is expected to operate will be discussed highlighting some of the practical issues with this compact robust system and suitability for its operating environment.

The level of automated guidance can be set to appropriately support and assist the leamer/driver. The presentation will highlight some of the continuing issues concerning the balance between assistive control and the effects on child development. The system has evolved to include control by switches and variable joystick functionality.

Opportunities are provided to allow the driver to select assisted driving support for themselves. The driver does not feel the system has been imposed on them for reasons of low driving competence, however he/she has the choice of system engagement for their own energy conservation.
Other related issues including the constraints imposed by the system on driver exploration and the balance between safer driving with less collisions and drivable access will be discussed. This work is ongoing and aims to improve the man/machine interface.