# Self-Navigating Wheelchair Projects Smart is Developing an Autonomous Wheelchair with LiDAR By Daniel Johnson | Published 2020-06-09 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-wheelchair2 References: [spectrum.ieee.org](https://spectrum.ieee.org/transportation/self-driving/lidar-equipped-autonomous-wheelchairs-roll-out-in-singapore-and-japan) & [smart.mit.edu](https://smart.mit.edu/) The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, SMAR, has been developing an autonomous wheelchair. Daniela Rus, the director of the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, indicated that the project started in 2016. Currently [SMART](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-interior-sensing) is running tests with two units in Singapore, and another two at MIT. The autonomous wheelchairs use three different [LiDAR sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lidar-systems) that work collectively to produce a map. The wheelchair can then use an algorithm to determine where the unit is located on the map. The autonomous wheelchair is equipped with six wheels, which allow it to make tight turns and fit through doors. Daniela Rus spoke further about the rationale behind the project, "When we visited several retirement communities, we realized that the quality of life is dependent on mobility. We want to make it really easy for people to move around." Image Credit: Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Autonomous Wheelchairs:** Developing self-navigating wheelchairs with LiDAR technology can revolutionize mobility for individuals. - **Lidar Sensors:** The use of multiple LiDAR sensors in autonomous wheelchairs opens up opportunities for precise mapping and navigation. - **Enhanced Mobility:** Improving mobility solutions for the aging population can significantly enhance their quality of life. ### Where This Applies - **Medical Technology:** The development of autonomous wheelchairs can disrupt the medical technology industry by offering advanced mobility solutions for patients. - **Robotics:** Autonomous wheelchairs utilizing LiDAR technology present a disruptive innovation opportunity in the robotics industry by integrating intelligent mobility systems. - **Assistive Technology:** The autonomous wheelchair project highlights disruptive innovation opportunities in the assistive technology industry, providing a new level of independence for individuals with mobility limitations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mind-Controlled Wheelchair Developments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jos-milln.md) - [Autonomous Airport Mobility Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whill-is.md) - [Sleek Robotic Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-wheelchair.md) - [Wheel-Free Assisted Mobility Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-walk-me.md) - [Smart Mobility Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strutt-ev1.md) - [Modified Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leaning-wheelchair.md) - [Friendly Robotic Wheelchair Caregivers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheelchair-robot-concept.md) - [Accessibility-Focused Self-Driving Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfdriving-technology1.md) - [Senior Care Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aiden.md)