Tunisian Inventors Develop Revolutionary Wheelchair System Controlled by Brain Signals, Voice, Facial Expressions, or Tactile Pads
A team of young Tunisian inventors has developed an innovative system called MOOVOBRAIN, which enables people with mobility impairments to control their wheelchairs using brain signals, voice commands, facial expressions, or tactile pads. This groundbreaking technology has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide who rely on wheelchairs for mobility.
A New Era of Autonomy
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 80 million people (or 1% of the global population) may need a wheelchair to facilitate mobility. However, many users lack full control over their upper body and require caregivers for mobility. The MOOVOBRAIN system offers a new level of autonomy to individuals who are often marginalized by conventional assistive technologies.
Four Intuitive Modes of Control
The MOOVOBRAIN system features four intuitive modes of control:
- Vocal Mode: allows users to control their wheelchair using voice commands.
- Brain Mode: utilizes a specialized helmet to detect brain signals.
- Facial Expression Mode: enables users to control their wheelchair using facial expressions.
- Manual Mode: provides a smartphone or tactile pad interface for users with manual dexterity.
Inclusive and Accessible
The MOOVOBRAIN system is designed to be inclusive and accessible, catering to diverse needs, disabilities, and health conditions. It can be adapted to conventional wheelchairs, making it a four-in-one solution with potential for exponential impact.
Transforming Lives through Innovation
The Tunisian team, comprising Khaoula Ben Ahmed, Ghofrane Ayari, Souleima Ben Temime, and Sirine Ayari, developed the MOOVOBRAIN system after one of the inventors witnessed a family member's sudden disability. This experience highlighted the urgent need for more adaptable assistive technologies.
Awards and Recognition
The MOOVOBRAIN system has been recognized for its innovative contributions, participating in international technological events like VivaTech Paris and winning several excellence awards. The team has also received support from the European Investment Bank's program, providing financial and planning expertise.
United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
The MOOVOBRAIN system directly contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By offering an innovative solution that improves mobility and autonomy, the invention addresses health and well-being issues affecting a significant portion of the global population.
Young Inventors Prize
The Tunisian team has been selected as one of three finalists for the Young Inventors Prize, part of the European Inventor Award 2024. The other finalists are Rochelle Niemeijer from the Netherlands, who developed a portable test kit for rapid identification of bacterial infections, and Valentyn Frechka from Ukraine, who created a method to convert dead leaves into recyclable paper, reducing deforestation and CO2 emissions. The winners will be announced on July 9, 2024, during a live-streamed ceremony from Malta.
Learn More
Discover more about the impact of the invention, the technology used, and the inventors' stories here.
