Feature Story
Braze Mobility ’ s smart wheelchair technology enhances independence and safety
Pooja Viswanathan Co-Founder , CEO Braze Mobility
In 2006 , a visit to a long-term care facility in Ontario , Canada , ignited a vision that would revolutionize mobility for wheelchair users . The staff ' s apprehensions about accidents , property damage and collisions led to residents being denied access to motorized wheelchairs . Dr . Pooja Viswanathan observed residents confined to manual wheelchairs without the strength to self-propel . This realization marked the beginning of an innovative journey for her that has since transformed countless lives .
Motivated by this , Dr . Pooja initiated an investigation into how sensor technology could improve wheelchair safety . This led to collaboration with a research lab in Toronto , focusing on developing smart wheelchairs equipped with sensor technology to enhance safety and accessibility . The goal was to enable safe power mobility for individuals previously considered ineligible for it . This research culminated in her PhD thesis on smart wheelchair technology , involving the creation and testing of smart wheelchairs with numerous users . However , the frustration of a lack of commercial solutions persisted until the founding of Braze Mobility in 2016 .
Innovative solution - The technology
Braze Mobility introduced the first and only blind spot sensor system for wheelchairs . These sensors can be added to any wheelchair , whether manual or motorized and offer three types of alerts : visual ( lights ), auditory ( sounds ), and tactile ( vibrations ). These alerts inform users of the proximity and location of obstacles , enhancing their ability to navigate safely .
VISUAL ALERTS : The system features two rows of lights indicating obstacles in front and behind the wheelchair . The top row signifies front obstacles , while the bottom row highlights those behind . The lights change color based on the distance : yellow for obstacles within two feet and red for those within one foot . Users can customize the alert distances and even set up two different profiles through an accompanying app .
AUDITORY ALERTS : Beeps accompany the red lights , serving as a crucial warning system for both the wheelchair user and others in the environment . These beeps
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