GB2619929A

GB2619929A - Mobility aid device

Info

Publication number: GB2619929A
Application number: GB2209059.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Campbell Paul
Original assignee: Centaur Robotics Ltd
Current assignee: Centaur Robotics Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-20
Filing date: 2022-06-20
Publication date: 2023-12-27
Also published as: GB202209059D0; WO2023248119A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a mobility aid device including a seat arrangement upon which a user sits when said device is in operation, a main unit supporting the seat arrangement, a wheel arrangement supporting the main unit on a floor surface, a sensor arrangement that senses driving conditions in the environment of the user, a feedback arrangement controllable to provide feedback to the user, and a processor. The mobility aid device is driven from a motor arrangement included in the main unit and/or wheel arrangement, the mobility device aid is propelled and turned by motor arrangement. The wheel arrangement includes two wheels mutually independently driven by the motor arrangement. The mobility aid device is self-balancing by employing a control module. The wheels are contained within an area that is less than 120% of the seating area of the seat arrangement. The sensor arrangement generates sensor data, the processor is configured to: receive and then process sensor data to generate feedback(s) for the user, and control the feedback arrangement to provide feedback(s) to the user.

Description

MOBILITY AID DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to mobility aid devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to motorized wheelchairs incorporating 5 sensor arrangements and feedback arrangements. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to methods of (for) manufacturing mobility aid devices. Moreover, the present disclosure also relates to computer program products comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, 10 the computer-readable instructions being executable by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute aforesaid methods of (for) manufacturing mobility aid devices.

BACKGROUND

People with any degree of mobility impairment may welcome, or even require, a mobility aid device. A wheelchair, being a typical example of such a mobility aid device, enables a given person to use his or her arms as a main drive for achieving mobility. Moreover, a wheelchair also enables the given person to move with more convenience, comfort and ease.

However, the conventional wheelchair has technical drawbacks. A conventional wheelchair is equipped with a pair of large wheels placed on lateral sides of the wheelchair, and a pair of smaller wheels placed in the front region of the wheelchair, wherein such a configuration of wheels imparts stability to the wheelchair when in use. Such an arrangement, although stable, is generally known to be unsuitable for many day-to-day situations, for example, when manoeuvring through a narrow doorway, accessing public transportation or even simple day-to-day actions such as fitting in at a peripheral edge of a dining table.

Mobility aid devices that do not possess an in-built motor may potentially not be suitable for people with a lower degree of physical ability, for example muscle strength, for example people in older age groups with less strength in their arms.

Conversely, it has been widely appreciated that a given person's requirement for mobility may result in a mental stress for the given person, being aware of a need from other people, for example carers. Of course, it will be appreciated that a drawback of a conventional wheelchair is that it is not suitable for a person with disability in their hands or arms, when attempting to move without the aid of a second person, for example a carer.

Other issues faced by a user of a conventional wheelchair may be an inability to reach certain articles in conventional shelves, tables and counters, especially when these are placed higher than, approximately, waste height of a typical person. Such an inability to reach certain articles increases a dependability of the user on other people. Facing such practical problems as aforementioned, there is a risk that the user may develop a low self-esteem.

More modern wheelchairs or mobility aid devices than the aforementioned examples may have features that try to overcome such technical drawbacks. For example, such more modern devices may contain in-built motors to improve or aid mobility; they may contain four or more wheels for improving their stability; their frame may be fabricated from sturdy but lighter metals; or even such devices may have features to increase comfort in their seating cushion, neck-rest, backrest, foot-rest, pivotable seating and so forth. It will be appreciated that incorporating such features in the devices typically results in the devices having an increased weight, an increased size and increased complexity. However, an increased bulkiness of the devices can be detrimental to overall achievable mobility. For this reason, even modern mobility aid devices are simply not suitable for many day-to-day practical situations. Furthermore, enabling movement using modern wheelchairs still requires a considerable amount of perceptiveness and human judgment. In particular, the given person using such a wheelchair, or the carer of the 5 given person, is required to be well-aware of their surroundings at all times and accordingly take decisions to drive the wheelchair safely. This is often quite difficult for the given person to do, thereby causing stress to the given person and many times also resulting in accidents (for example, when the given person incorrectly perceives driving conditions 10 in his/her surroundings).

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with mobility aid devices, ultimately resulting in a better quality of life and a higher degree of freedom for people who may welcome or require mobility aid.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide an improved mobility aid device, such as a device akin to a wheelchair, for providing mobility assistance to a user. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a method of 20 manufacturing a mobility aid device.

The present disclosure also seeks to provide a software product recording on machine-readable data storage media, wherein the software product is executable upon computing hardware for implementing the aforementioned method.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a mobility aid device including a seat arrangement upon which a user sits when the mobility aid device is in operation, a main unit that supports the seat arrangement, and a wheel arrangement that supports the main unit on a floor surface, a sensor arrangement that senses driving conditions in an environment of the user, a feedback arrangement that is controllable to provide feedback to the user, and a processor, wherein the mobility aid device is driven in operation from a motor arrangement included in the main unit and/or the wheel arrangement, wherein the mobility aid device is propelled forwards or backwards, and turned by the motor arrangement, wherein the wheel arrangement includes two wheels mounted at lateral sides of the main unit, wherein the two wheels are mutually independently driven in operation by the motor arrangement, the mobility aid device is self-balancing using the two wheels by employing a control module that controls an electrical signal that is applied to the motor arrangement, and the wheels are contained within an area that is less than 120% of a seating area of the seat arrangement; the sensor arrangement senses the driving conditions to generate sensor 15 data, the processor being configured to: - receive the sensor data from the sensor arrangement; - process the sensor data to generate at least one feedback for the user; and - control the feedback arrangement to provide the at least one feedback 20 to the user.

The mobility aid device comprises two wheels that provides a compact form factor to the mobility aid device, thus allowing easy manoeuvring thereof in confined spaces. The mobility aid device is self-balancing on the two wheels thereby, enabling the user to safely, comfortably and efficiently operate (such as drive) the mobility aid device. The sensor arrangement effectively senses the driving conditions in the environment of the user, and the feedback arrangement promptly provides the at least one feedback to the user for effectively conveying the driving conditions. This reduces the mental burden on the user in terms of actively perceiving his/her surroundings, and enables the user to drive safely by making decisions based on the at least one feedback.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a mobility aid device including a seat arrangement upon which a user sits when the mobility aid device is in operation, a main unit that supports the seat arrangement, and a wheel arrangement that supports the main unit on a floor surface, a sensor arrangement that senses driving conditions in an environment of the user, a feedback arrangement that is controllable to provide feedback to the user, and a processor, wherein the mobility aid device is driven in operation from a motor arrangement included in the main unit and/or the wheel arrangement, wherein the mobility aid device is propelled forwards or backwards, and turned by the motor arrangement, wherein the method includes: arranging for the wheel arrangement to include two wheels mounted at lateral sides of the main unit, wherein the two wheels are mutually independently drivable in operation by the motor arrangement; arranging for the mobility aid device to be self-balancing using the two wheels by employing a control module that controls an electrical signal that is applied to the motor arrangement; and arranging for the wheels to be contained within an area that is less than 120% of a seating area of the seat arrangement; arranging the sensor arrangement to sense the driving conditions to generate sensor data; configuring the processor to: receive the sensor data from the sensor arrangement, process the sensor data to generate at least one feedback for the user, and control the feedback arrangement to provide the at least one feedback to the user; and arranging the feedback arrangement to provide the at least one feedback to the user.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, the computer-readable instructions being executable by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute aforesaid methods of (for) manufacturing a mobility aid device.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are 10 susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of 15 example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobility aid device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobility aid device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate steps of a method of manufacturing a mobility aid device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with 5 mobility aid devices having two wheels, wherein the mobility aid devices are capable of self-balancing. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with methods of manufacturing the aforementioned mobility aid devices. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with computer program products 10 comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, the computer-readable instructions being executable by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute aforesaid methods of (for) manufacturing a mobility aid device.

The present disclosure provides the system having two wheels which are mutually independently drivable in operation by the motor arrangement, thereby, enabling convenient manoeuvring of the mobility aid device in confined spaces. Furthermore, the mobility aid device comprises an interfacing arrangement that facilitates movement, such as raising or lowering, of the seat arrangement along with the footrest arrangement, thereby permitting the user to easily access higher or lower places when using the mobility aid device. Moreover, the mobility aid device contains wheels to be within an area that is less than 120% of a seating area of the seat arrangement, thus, allowing the mobility aid device to have a compact form factor. Thus, the mobility aid device is compact and is associated with simple and user-friendly operation, thereby, allowing the user of the mobility aid device to be provided with enhanced quality of life.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a mobility aid device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobility aid device 100 has an appearance akin to a wheelchair. Furthermore, the mobility aid device 100 is susceptible to being utilized by people who have a need for more personal mobility, but not limited to, people suffering from paraplegia, people with dysfunctional arms or feet (such as, due to muscular dystrophy), people suffering from motor or sensory impairment (for example, people suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and so forth. The mobility aid device 100 includes a seat arrangement 102 upon which a user sits when the mobility aid device 100 is in operation. The seat arrangement 102 allows accommodation of the user upon the mobility aid device 100 and further allows a weight of the user to be supported thereon. It will be appreciated that the user can attain a relaxed position when being seated on the seat arrangement 102 and can operate the mobility aid device 100 while exerting minimal physical effort.

The mobility aid device 100 is further provided with a back-support 108 arrangement with two arm rests 110A-B that provide the given user with back support and arm support when the mobility device aid 100 is in use.

The back-support 108 arrangement is a vertical component coupled to an end of the seat arrangement 102. Furthermore, the back-support 108 can comprise a cushion attached to the vertical component. The back-support 108 arrangement allows the user to rest his or her back while the user is sitting on the seat arrangement 102. The cushion attached to the back-support 108 provides enhanced comfort to the user. Optionally, the cushion cover of the cushion attached to the back-support 108 can be made of material such as Rexine (Rexine is the registered trademark in the United Kingdom by Rexine Ltd.) which can be cleaned with ease for the maintenance of hygiene and can also be aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. Furthermore, the back-support 108 can also have a neck and head support arrangement which can be detachably attached to the vertical component of the back-support 108 arrangement (or can be formed as an integral part of the vertical component), wherein the neck and head support arrangement allows the user to rest his or her head and neck thereon. The neck and head support arrangement can be fabricated to include a cushion (or foam, memory-foam, fibre or so forth) padding that allows the user to maintain his or her head and neck in a relaxed posture. The neck and head support can be made to be raised, lowered, or pivotable as required by the user up to a certain extent i.e. to a certain angular and/or positional degree so the user can adjust his or her head and neck support arrangement. Furthermore, as the neck and head support arrangement is detachably coupled to the vertical component, the neck and head support arrangement can be detached from the vertical component of the back-rest arrangement, such as, for cleaning, repairing or servicing thereof.

The mobility aid device 100 includes a main unit 104 that supports the seat arrangement 102. The main unit 104 can be implemented as a base upon which the seat arrangement 102 is positioned. It will be appreciated that such a positioning of the seat arrangement 102 over the main unit 104 enables the seat arrangement 102 to be disposed at a predetermined height over a floor surface, thereby, allowing the user to comfortably sit on the seat arrangement 102. Furthermore, the mobility aid device 100 includes a wheel arrangement 106 that supports the main unit 104 on the floor surface. The wheel arrangement 106 comprises wheels 106A-B coupled to the main unit 104, wherein the wheels 106A-B allow movement of the main unit 104 (and consequently, the mobility aid device 100) on the floor surface. The wheels 106A-B are contained within an area that is less than 130% of a seating area of the seat arrangement 102, more optionally less than 120% of a seating area of the seat arrangement 102, and yet more optionally less than 100% of a seating area of the seat arrangement 102. For example, the seating area corresponds to an area of 0.25 m2. In such an example, the wheels 106A-B are contained within an area that is less than 0.3 m2. The two wheels 106A-B are such incorporated that the overall effective area of the mobility aid device 100 does not occupy a large space, thereby, enabling trouble-free manoeuvring of the mobility aid device 100.

The mobility aid device 100 is driven in operation from a motor arrangement (shown in FIG. 2) included in the main unit 104 and/or the wheel arrangement 106, wherein the mobility aid device 100 is propelled forwards or backwards and turned by the motor arrangement. The motor arrangement can comprise at least one motor that is operatively coupled to the wheels 106A-B of the wheel arrangement 106. In operation, the motor arrangement provides torque to rotate the wheels 106A-B of the wheel arrangement 106, such that the rotation of the wheels 106A-B allows movement of the mobility aid device 100. Furthermore, the motor arrangement can be incorporated within the main unit 104, for example, the main unit 104 can be a housing that incorporates the motor arrangement therein. Alternatively, the motor arrangement can be incorporated with the wheel arrangement 106. In an example implementation, the motor arrangement can comprise in-wheel motors (or wheel-hub motors) that are implemented with each wheel of the wheel arrangement 106, wherein such in-wheel motors are arranged to be independently operated to drive their corresponding wheels. It will be appreciated that implementing the motor arrangement to comprise in-wheel motors enables to reduce a requirement of space within the main unit 104 for incorporating the motor arrangement therein. Thus, one or more other components of the mobility aid device 100 can be accommodated within the main unit 104 and/or the main unit 104 can be made to have a compact form-factor.

As shown, the wheel arrangement 106 includes two wheels 106A-B mounted at lateral sides of the main unit 104, wherein the two wheels 30 106A-B are mutually independently driven in operation by the motor arrangement. Optionally, the in-wheel motors housed in each of the two wheels 106A-B provide torque to the wheels 106A-B which facilitates independent rotation of the wheels 106A-B. As the motor arrangement is able to provide mutually independent rotation to the wheels 106A-B, one wheel can move in either direction irrespective of the direction of the other wheel. For example, if the user wants to move forward, both the wheels 106A-B will be driven by the motor arrangement in the forward direction. Furthermore, if the user wants to drive backwards, the wheels 106A-B driven by the motor arrangement will make the mobility aid device 100 to move backwards. Additionally, if a person using the wheelchair wants to turn around to face a different direction, such as a left or right direction, one of the two wheels 106A-B will rotate independently while the other wheel will remain stationary. For example, if a person wants to turn towards the left direction, left wheel 106A of the mobility aid device 100 will remain in a stationary position and the right wheel will be made to rotate. In such an example, the mobility aid device 100 pivotally rotates about the left wheel 106A to turn towards the left direction. Similarly, for turning towards the right direction, right wheel 106A of the mobility aid device 100 will be maintained in a stationary position and the left wheel 106A will be made to rotate. Furthermore, if the user wants to turn at an angle of 1800 to face an opposite direction in a confined space, each of the two wheels 106A-B will rotate in mutually opposite directions. Such a rotation of the wheels 106A-B of the wheel arrangement 106 in opposite directions allows the mobility aid device 100 to change its orientation relative to a vertical axis passing through a centre of the mobility aid device 100. It will be appreciated that incorporating such an operation of the mobility aid device 100 via the independent rotation of the wheels 106A-B enables the mobility aid device 100 to move forward, backward or turn sideways.

Furthermore, such a movement of the mobility aid device 100 enables convenient manoeuvring of the mobility aid device 100 in confined spaces or on uneven terrains, thereby, allowing to overcome problems associated with movement of conventional wheelchairs.

Furthermore, the mobility aid device 100 comprises the two arm rests 110A-B that provide arm support to the user when the mobility aid device 100 is in use. The two arm rests 110A-B are horizontal, elongate and solid set of members that are connected to each side of the seat arrangement 102 substantially parallel (such as, within a range of ±200) to the floor surface. Optionally, the arm rests 110A-B can be implemented as a hollow set of members which further can be used as cabinets for storing electronic components for the mobility aid device 100. More optionally, the hollow set of members can be used to store personal belongings (such as keys, jewellery, wallet and so forth), medicines, portable devices (such as mobile phones, earphones and the like).

The arm rests 110A-B are pivotally mounted at their proximate ends to the back-support 108 arrangement and are downwardly pivotable and are lockable in position with their elongate axes substantially parallel to the floor when the mobility aid device 100 is in use. The arm rests 110A-B are attached to the proximate ends of the back-support 108 arrangement via a hinge mechanism arranged at either side of the back-support 108 arrangement. The hinge mechanism allows the arm rests 110A-B to be pivoted downwards, such as, within a range of 00 to 60° with respect to the horizontal position of the arm rests 110A-B. Furthermore, the hinge mechanism can comprise a locking mechanism that allows the arm rests 110A-B to be locked at a specific angle between the horizontal position (0°) and the lowermost position (60°) thereof. Optionally, the arm rests 110A-B are upwardly pivotable, such as, within a range of 0° to 90° with respect to the horizontal position of the arm rests 110A-B. More optionally, the arm rests 110A-B can be pivoted sideways. Such a pivotability of the arm rests 110A-B allows convenient adjustment of a seating position of the user.

Furthermore, the main unit 104 includes a linear actuator arrangement for raising and lowering the seat arrangement 102 relative to the main unit 104. The linear actuator arrangement can be implemented using a piston-cylinder assembly, a linear slide actuator, electrical actuator, electromechanical actuator, magnetic actuator, electromagnetic actuator and so forth. For example, when the linear actuator arrangement is implemented using the piston-cylinder assembly, the cylinder can be attached to the main unit 104 while the piston accommodated within the cylinder can be attached to the seat arrangement 102. Furthermore, the piston-cylinder arrangement can be incorporated with a hydraulic (or a pneumatic mechanism) such that when a pressurized liquid is allowed to flow into the cylinder, the piston within the cylinder is pushed, thereby raising the seat arrangement 102 relative to the main unit 104. Moreover, the pressurized liquid can be allowed to flow out of the cylinder to lower the piston and consequently, the seat arrangement 102 attached thereto. Optionally, the linear actuator arrangement comprises a locking mechanism to lock the seat arrangement 102 at a desired height. For example, the seat arrangement 102 can be raised by using the linear actuator arrangement as per the convenience of the user such as for reaching for upper shelves or cupboards. In another example, the seat arrangement 102 can be lowered by using the linear actuator arrangement as per the convenience of the user such as when the user needs to use a table with a height lower than a default height of the seat arrangement 102. In such an example, the locking mechanism of the linear actuator arrangement allows the seat arrangement 102 to be locked at a desired height such as, after lowering the seat arrangement 102 to the height of the table.

Optionally, the main unit 104 includes a rechargeable battery arrangement for storing electrical power, wherein the rechargeable battery arrangement provides electrical power to the motor arrangement and to the linear actuator arrangement when the mobility aid device 100 is in operation. The rechargeable battery arrangement can be incorporated within the main unit 104 and can comprise one or more batteries which can be used to provide electrical power rechargeable motor arrangement housed in the main unit 104 (such as, to the in-house motors housed within the wheel arrangement 106). In such an instance, the electrical power provided by the battery arrangement is converted to torque by the motor arrangement which is used to drive the two wheels 106A-B associated with the wheel arrangement 106. Furthermore, the rechargeable battery arrangement provides power to the linear actuator arrangement which enables the interfacing arrangement 114 to be raised or lowered with respect to the floor surface. The one or more batteries of the battery arrangement can be recharged once the electrical power stored therein is exhausted, such as by connecting a plug attached to the battery arrangement with a power socket.

Optionally, the rechargeable battery arrangement is connected to a resonant inductive charging arrangement for charging the rechargeable battery arrangement with electrical power. The battery recharges utilizing the principle of resonant inductive charging which facilitates quick charging of the battery. The battery arrangement comprises a coil which can be inductively coupled to a coil of resonant inductive charging arrangement. The resonant inductive charging arrangement comprises a cable attached with a plug that can be connected to a power socket. In such an instance, the electrical power received from the power socket can be utilized by the resonant inductive charging arrangement to inductively (such as wirelessly) charge the rechargeable battery arrangement. In an example, the battery arrangement can be arranged near the bottom of the main unit 104 of the mobility aid device 100. Furthermore, the resonant inductive charging arrangement can be placed on the floor surface. In such an example, the mobility aid device 100 can be positioned over the resonant inductive charging arrangement such that electrical power can be inductively provided by the resonant inductive charging arrangement to the rechargeable battery arrangement. In another example, the battery arrangement can be arranged within the main unit 104, towards a rear end thereof. Furthermore, the resonant inductive charging arrangement can be placed on a wall at a predefined height from the floor surface (such that the height of the resonant inductive charging arrangement corresponds to the height of the rechargeable battery arrangement housed within the main unit 104 relative to the floor surface). In such an example, the mobility aid device 100 can be positioned near the resonant inductive charging arrangement placed on the wall such that electrical power can be inductively provided by the resonant inductive charging arrangement to the rechargeable battery arrangement.

Optionally, a footrest arrangement 116 is coupled to the seat arrangement 102 via an interfacing arrangement 114 arranged between the linear actuator arrangement and the seat arrangement 102, wherein the footrest arrangement 116 is raised and lowered by the linear actuator arrangement together with the seat arrangement 102. The interfacing arrangement 114 is a Z-shaped component (wherein a long arm of the 7-shaped component is substantially vertical, such that the long arm of the 7-shaped component makes an angle within a range of 85 to 95° with the floor surface). Optionally, the interfacing arrangement 114 has a planar surface 120 for engaging onto the seat arrangement 102 (referred to as "top horizontal arm" throughout the present disclosure), wherein the planar surface 120 is substantially parallel to the planar component 112 of the footrest arrangement 116 (referred to as "bottom horizontal arm" throughout the present disclosure). The top horizontal arm of the interfacing arrangement 114 is arranged between the seat arrangement 102 and the linear actuator arrangement. Furthermore, a top planar surface 120 of the top horizontal arm of the interfacing arrangement 114 is connected to the seat arrangement 102 whereas the bottom surface of the top horizontal arm is connected to the linear actuator arrangement. The mobility aid device 100 further comprises the footrest arrangement 116 which is coupled to the bottom horizontal arm of the interfacing arrangement 114. The footrest arrangement 116 allows the user to rest their feet thereon when the mobility aid device 100 is in use. Furthermore, as the footrest arrangement 116 is coupled to the linear actuator arrangement via the interfacing arrangement 114, raising or lowering the interfacing arrangement 114 corresponds to the raising or lowering of the footrest arrangement 116.

Optionally, the footrest arrangement 116 has a planar component 112 for receiving feet of the user, wherein the planar component 112 is maintained parallel to the floor when the mobility aid device 100 aid is in operation. The planar component 112 is the bottom horizontal arm of the interfacing arrangement 114 on which the user can rest their feet when the mobility aid device 100 is in use. The planar component 112 is maintained parallel (or substantially parallel such as angle in a range of 0° to 15°) with respect to the floor surface. The planar component 112 is maintained above the floor surface within the range of 1 to 3 centimetres. It will be appreciated that by allowing the user to maintain their feet at such a low height enables the user to maintain their centre of gravity at a low position. Furthermore, maintenance of the centre of gravity at a low point enables a user to balance their body weight with ease.

Optionally, a slidable component 118 is coupled to the planar component 112 of the footrest arrangement 116 such that feet of the user are 30 received on the slidable component 118 when the mobility aid device is in use, wherein the slidable component 118 can be horizontally moved parallel to the floor for adjustment thereof by the user. The slidable component 118 is a horizontal member that has a left area on which the user can place their left foot, a right area on which the user can place their right foot and a middle area disposed between the left and right areas. The left, right and middle areas of the slidable component 118 are fabricated as a single entity. The slidable component 118 is arranged such that the middle area is disposed over the planar component 112 of the footrest arrangement 116. The slidable component 118 can be horizontally moved, such as back and forth over the planar component 112, according to the comfort of the user. Furthermore, an upper surface of the slidable component 118 comprises a plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs associated with the slidable component 118 provides improved traction for the feet of the user.

Optionally, a plurality of spacers is arranged between the planar surface 120 of the interfacing arrangement 114 (or the top horizontal arm) and the seat arrangement 102, for permanently raising the seat arrangement 102 with respect to the interfacing arrangement 114. The spacers can be implemented as rectangular or cylindrical solid blocks that can be fabricated from plastics, metals, metal alloys, polymers, ceramics and so forth. The spacers can be fixed between the seat arrangement 102 and the top planar surface 120 of the top horizontal arm of the interfacing arrangement 114 such that height of the seat arrangement 102 relative to the footrest arrangement 116 is raised. For example, a plurality of metallic spacers is fixed between the seat arrangement 102 and the interface arrangement by a technician such as by welding the metallic spacers between the seat arrangement 102 and the interface arrangement. Such metallic spacers enable a height of the seat arrangement 102 to be customised with respect to the footrest arrangement 116, such as, when the height is required to be permanently adjusted for specifications (such as height) of the user.

Optionally, the mobility aid device 100 is constructed in a modular manner comprising a plurality of modules that are assembled together to provide the mobility aid device 100 and are disassembled when transporting the mobility aid device 100. The plurality of modules consists of the seat arrangement 102, the back-support 108 arrangement, the main unit 104, the wheel arrangement 106, the interfacing arrangement 114, the footrest arrangement 116 and so forth. Such a plurality of modules can be disassembled such as for convenient transportation, repair, cleaning, storage, replacement (for example, upgradation of a specific module of the plurality of modules) and so forth. Optionally, each module may be replaced separately by an alternative module with different features, such as different dimensions.

Optionally, the mobility aid device 100 includes a control arrangement for controlling operation of the mobility aid device 100, wherein the control arrangement controls electrical power applied to the motor arrangement and to the linear actuator arrangement, and wherein the control arrangement is user-controlled by using at least one of: a joystick control, a voice control, a trackball control, an eye-movement control, a button control, a video interface control. In operation, the mobility aid device 100 is driven when the user sits on it. In such an instance, the movement of the mobility aid device 100 is controlled according to the user's requirements, such as forward movement, backward movement and turning. The control arrangement can be implemented to control such a movement of the mobility aid device 100. The control arrangement can be implemented within the main unit 104, the arm rests 110A-B and so forth. The control arrangement can be operatively coupled to each of the motor arrangement and the linear actuator arrangement, wherein the control arrangement is operable to control the electrical power applied thereto. The electrical power provided to the motor arrangement and the linear actuator arrangement can be controlled by the user via control arrangement, by using at least one of: a joystick control, a voice control, a trackball control, an eye-movement control, a button control, a video interface control and so forth. In an example, a joystick 122 is operatively coupled to the control arrangement and the joystick 122 is arranged with either of the two arm rests 110A-B of the seat arrangement 102. In such an example, the user can move or rotate the joystick 122 in any direction, to move the mobility aid device 100 in a corresponding direction. In another example, the control arrangement can be controlled with use of body weight of the user, such as by leaning in a direction based on the required direction of movement of the mobility aid device 100. In one example, the user is provided with a graphical user interface on a screen of a portable communication device, such as via a software application on a smartphone of the user. In such an example, the graphical user interface comprises a plurality of graphical elements, such as buttons, that allow the user to move the mobility aid device 100 in a required direction, raise the seat arrangement 102 (via the linear actuator arrangement), lower the seat arrangement 102 and so forth.

Optionally, the mobility aid device 100 includes a wireless interface that communicates in operation between the control arrangement and a remote-control unit, such that a third party is able to control wirelessly operation of the mobility aid device 100 from the remote-control unit. The wireless interface communicates between the remote-control unit and the control arrangement via a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth®, BLE® (Bluetooth Low Energy), infrared, ZigBee® and so forth. In such an example, the mobility aid device 100 can be controlled by a person who is within a short range of the mobility aid device 100. Such a feature of the remote-control unit employed in a mobility aid device 100 enables a user who is entirely-dependent on another person for their basic needs to use the mobility aid device 100 without having a need for the other person to push the mobility aid device 100. Optionally, the remote-control unit can be implemented as a virtual remote-control unit via use of a software application in a smartphone of the other person, so they do not have to carry a remote-control unit separately.

The mobility aid device 100 includes a sensor arrangement 124, a feedback arrangement 126 and a processor 128. The sensor arrangement 124 and the feedback arrangement 126 are communicably coupled to the processor 128. The sensor arrangement 124 may be a set of one or more sensors arranged on the mobility aid device 100. The sensor arrangement 124 senses the driving conditions in the environment of the user. Herein, the term "driving conditions" related to at least one of: a distance up to which the mobility aid device 100 is able to safely move, manoeuvrability of the mobility aid device 100, a speed of the mobility aid device 100, according to the environment of the user. The feedback arrangement 126 provides information to the user through a combination of light, haptic feedback and sound cues. The processor 128 is a computational element that is operable to respond to and processes instructions received from the sensor arrangement 124 and provided to the feedback arrangement 126 of the mobility aid device 100. Furthermore, the term "processor" may refer to one or more zo individual processors, processing devices and various elements associated with a processing device that may be shared by other processing devices. Such processors, processing devices and elements may be arranged in various architectures to respond and to execute the steps of the processor. Optionally, the processor 128 is included in the main unit 104. More optionally, the processor is included in the control module. The processor 128 is configured to receive the sensor data from the sensor arrangement 124, in real time. The sensor data is received with no lag, thereby enabling the processor 128 in making prompt deductions regarding a movement of the mobility aid device 100 based on surroundings. Subsequently, the processor 128 is configured to process the sensor data to generate at least one feedback for the user.

The at least one feedback helps the user to be aware of their surroundings. Subsequently, the processor 128 is configured to control the feedback arrangement 126 to provide the at least one feedback to the user, wherein the user is able to manoeuvre the mobility aid device 100 according to the at least one feedback provided to the user. This ensures that the user avoids any possible obstacles that may be present in its surroundings, thereby avoiding a possible incident which may lead to the user getting injured or the mobility aid device 100 getting damaged.

Optionally, the driving conditions depend on at least one of: a person, an animal, a temperature, a climate, an object, a plant, the floor surface, in the environment of the user. Herein, a person and/or an animal may abruptly come in front of the mobility aid device 100 when said device is in motion, at a given time instant. This causes the mobility aid device 100 to stop immediately at the given time instant using brakes. Immediate stopping of the mobility aid device 100 constantly leads to wear and tear of the brakes. Additionally, the driving condition depends on the temperature at a given time, wherein the feedback arrangement may suggest the user to choose a different time to reach a particular destination. The driving condition depends on the climate at the given time, wherein the mobility aid device 100 may be pre-programmed according to the climate of a geolocation where the mobility aid device 100 is used commonly. The driving condition is also affected by presence of an object or a plant, and the mobility aid device 100 is manoeuvred in order to avoid hitting the object or the plant. Examples of an object may include, but are not limited to, furniture, a dustbin, a vehicle, a robot, a pole, a building, a wall. The plant may be a shrub or a tree, which may hinder the movement of the mobility aid device 100. The driving conditions of the mobility aid device 100 depends on the floor surface.

For instance, when the floor surface is slippery in nature (in case of a water or oil spill on the floor surface) the mobility aid device 100 may skid and the user may fall off the mobility aid device 100.

Optionally, the sensor arrangement 124 comprises at least one of: a light sensor, a sound sensor, a touch sensor, a movement sensor, a haptic sensor, a camera, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor. The light sensors are electronic devices that help users with reduced vision to understand information provided by the sensor arrangement 124. Commonly, the light sensor may be interchangeably referred to using the following terms: a photoelectric device, a photo sensor. Examples of the light sensor may include, but is not limited to, a phototransistor, a photoresistor, a photodiode. The touch sensor is used to detect and record physical touch made by the user. The touch sensor enables basic movement of the mobility aid device 100, and has the ability to detect touch in the surroundings. For example, when the mobility aid device 100 runs into something, the touch sensor may stop the mobility aid device 100 from moving any further. Examples of the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor. The movement sensor is designed to detect and zo measure movement. The movement sensor enables the user to know whether there is any movement in the surroundings where the mobility aid device 100 is moving, and prevent a possible accident. The haptic sensor recreates a sense of touch when interacting with the mobility aid device 100 by applying forces, vibrations, or motions. The camera may be used to map proximity of, such as, an object. The camera can further provide visibility to the user, to avoid crashing the mobility aid device 100 into the object. The humidity sensor detects changes that alter electrical currents and temperature in the air, and may alert the user in case there is a possibility of rainfall. It helps the user to avoid using the mobility aid device 100 in an open area, which may lead to malfunctioning of functioning of the mobility aid device 100 in case said device gets drenched in the rainfall. Examples of the humidity sensor may include, but is not limited to, an optical hygrometer, an oscillating hygrometer, a gravimetric hygrometer. The temperature sensor measures temperature of the vicinity of the mobility aid device 100 and converts said measurement into the sensor data to record, monitor, or signal any changes in the temperature at the given time. This helps the user to decide whether or not the mobility aid device 100 can be used. The sensor data is generated in terms of Fahrenheit, Celsius, Centigrade, and the like.

Optionally, the feedback arrangement 126 comprises at least one of: a display, a light element, a speaker, a haptic element. Such equipment is compact, inexpensive, and easy to procure and use. Such equipment can be used conveniently to implement the feedback arrangement 126 on the mobility aid device 100 without increasing bulkiness of the mobility aid device 100. Moreover, using one or more of the above-mentioned equipment for implementing the feedback arrangement 126 enables in providing one or more forms of feedback to the user. It will be appreciated that equipment constituting the feedback arrangement 126 is arranged on the mobility aid device 100 in a manner that when controlled (by the processor 128), the feedback arrangement 126 is able to effectively provide the at least one feedback to the user. For example, feedback arrangement 126 may comprise the display (for example, such as a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode-based display, or similar), and the display may be arranged on the mobility aid device 100 at a position where it can be easily viewed by the user. For example, the display may be arranged on one of the two arm rests 110A-B or on a holder attached to one of the two arm rests 110A-B. The light element may, for example, be a light-emitting diode, a bulb, a seven-segment display, or similar. The speaker may, for example, be a loudspeaker, a wireless speaker, or similar. The haptic element may, for example, be provided in the two arm rests 110A-B, in the back support 108, or similar.

Optionally, the at least one feedback is provided to the user in a given form, the given form being at least one of: a visual indication, a sound, a vibration. It will be appreciated that at least one of such forms of providing the at least one feedback is employed in the mobility aid device 100 so as to ensure that the at least one feedback is properly perceived by the user. When equipment capable of providing multiple forms of feedback is used to implement the feedback arrangement 126, it enables the user to perceive the at least one feedback even if any sense (such as sight, auditory perception, or similar) of the user is compromised. The visual indication may, for example, be an image conveying the at least one feedback, text conveying the at least one feedback, a video conveying the at least one feedback, or similar. The sound may, for example, be an alarm (different alarms may be used to indicate different driving conditions), a voice message, a song, or similar. The vibration may be provided in various forms by varying a time duration of vibration, a vibration pattern, a location of providing vibration, or similar.

Optionally, the at least one feedback provided to the user is customised based on information indicated by the sensor data. This means that the at least one feedback may be customised depending on the driving conditions in the environment of the user. In a first example, a person is detected in the vicinity of the user, therefore the at least one feedback may be customised to mimic a sound of footsteps to the user. In a second example, a dog is detected in the vicinity of the user, so the at least one feedback may be customised to show a video of a happy dog wagging its tail. Beneficially, such customisation allows the user increased visibility in their surroundings, such that they are more aware of and better prepared for any eventuality.

Optionally, the given form of the at least one feedback provided to the user is customised based on at least on the information indicated by the sensor data. This means that the given form of the at least one feedback may be provided in a different volume, size, or strength for indication. It will be appreciated that the given form of the at least one feedback provided to the user is also based on the proximity of a given object, a given climate or temperature, and so forth. In accordance with the first example, the sound of footsteps may be customised to get louder as the person gets closer to the user. In accordance with the second example, the video of the happy dog may get bigger or faster to indicate that the dog is nearer to the user as compared to earlier. Beneficially, such customisation allows the user to timely prepare for the driving conditions and allows the user increased visibility of their surroundings.

Optionally, the mobility aid device 100 further comprises at least one 15 input device, wherein the processor 128 is configured to: - extract at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre from a data repository; - receive at least one input from the user via the at least one input device, to deploy the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre; and 20 -enable the wheel arrangement to drive the mobility aid vehicle based on the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre.

Optionally, the mobility aid device 100 further comprises at least one input device, wherein the processor 128 is configured to: - receive at least one input from the user via the at least one input device; 25 -extract at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre from a data repository; and - enable the wheel arrangement to drive the mobility aid vehicle based on the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre.

Herein, the term "input device" refers to a device associated with the user 30 of the mobility aid device 100. Optionally, the at least one input device is implemented as at least one of: a touch screen, a joystick, a keyboard, a microphone, a camera, an external user device, a track ball. Such input devices are well-known in the art. Beneficially, the at least one input device enables the user to provide the at least one input pertaining to the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre to the processor 128. For example, the user may touch an option of a given pre-programmed driving manoeuvre shown on a touch screen to select the given preprogrammed driving manoeuvre.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "pre-programmed driving manoeuvre" refers to a driving manoeuvre which has been preprogrammed into the mobility aid device 100. It will be appreciated that such pre-programmed driving manoeuvres assist the user in learning how to drive the mobility aid device 100 and thereby transport themselves safely. Optionally, the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre is implemented as at least one of: a pre-programmed turning manoeuvre, a pre-programmed trip to a given destination, a pre-programmed parking manoeuvre. Herein, the pre-programmed turning manoeuvre may include a right turn, a left turn, a spin, and so forth. For example, the pre-programmed turning manoeuvre may be implemented as a left turn.

Moreover, the pre-programmed trip to the given destination may include a pre-programmed trip, such that the mobility aid device autonomously drives the user to the given destination. Herein, the given destination may be within a premises, or may refer to a different premises altogether. In an example, the pre-programmed trip to the given destination may be a pre-programmed trip from a bedroom to a kitchen of a house of the user. In another example, the pre-programmed trip to the given destination may be a pre-programmed trip to a doctor's office of the user. The pre-programmed parking manoeuvre may include a forward parking manoeuvre, a parallel parking manoeuvre, or a reverse parking manoeuvre. For example, the pre-programmed parking manoeuvre may be implemented as a forward parking into a bay.

Throughout the present disclosure, the term "data repository" refers to a memory, capable of storing resources, data, services or programs. Herein, the data repository is communicably coupled to the processor. The data repository may be a local memory that is integrated with the processor, may be an external memory, may be a cloud-based memory, or similar. The processor is communicably coupled to the data repository via a communication network. It will be appreciated that the communication network may be wired, wireless, or a combination thereof. Examples of the communication network may include, but are not limited to, Internet, a local network (such as, a TCP/IP-based network, an Ethernet-based local area network, an Ethernet-based personal area network, a Wi-Fi network, and the like), and a short-range radio network (such as Bluetooth®). It will be appreciated that the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre is stored at the data repository as a series of instructions, which, when executed, make the mobility aid device 100 drive in a given manner. Beneficially, the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre is stored at the data repository to save space in the processor 128, such that low latency is observed during processing operations.

Optionally, the at least one input is provided as at least one of: a touch-based input, an audio-based input, a gesture-based input. Examples of the touch-based input include, but are not limited to, a textual input on a touch screen, selecting an option on a touch screen display, typing on a keyboard, moving or selecting using a mouse, selecting using a joystick, selecting using a track ball. Examples of the audio-based input include, but are not limited to, selecting an auditory option from a list of auditory options using voice command, providing an auditory command. Examples of the gesture-based input include using a hand gesture, drawing a gesture in air, drawing a gesture on a surface. For example, the at least one input may be provided by drawing a circle in the air. It will be appreciated that the at least one input may pertain to the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre. For example, an auditory input 'take me to the doctor's office' may pertain to the pre-programmed driving manoeuvre of driving to the doctor's office. Beneficially, receiving the at least one input for deploying the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre saves time and effort of the user, and eases functionality in life for the user. Moreover, the processor 128 is facilitated to enable the wheel arrangement 106 to drive the mobility aid vehicle 100 based on the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre.

The mobility aid device 100 is self-balancing using the two wheels 106A-B by employing a control module that controls an electrical signal that is applied to the motor arrangement. It will be appreciated that, in operation, the mobility aid device 100 having the two wheels 106A-B at the lateral sides of the main unit 104 may be prone to tilting (such as, by rotation) about the wheels 106A-B, such as due to shifting of the body weight of the user on the seat arrangement 102. Furthermore, the mobility aid device 100 is required to have a control over the amount of tilting of the mobility aid device 100 to prevent harm to the user. In such an instance, the control module is implemented within the mobility aid device 100 such as by incorporating the control module within the main unit 104. The control module is operable to determine the amount of tilting of the mobility aid device 100. Optionally, the control module can comprise a tilt sensing mechanism wherein the tilt sensing mechanism comprises at least one of: a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer and so forth. Furthermore, the control module sends the electrical signal (such as a control signal) to the battery arrangement to regulate the amount of electrical power supplied to the motor arrangement. Furthermore, in response to the regulation of the electrical power, the motor arrangement is operable to vary the torque provided to the two wheels 106A-B of the wheel arrangement 106, to enable self-balancing of the mobility aid device 100 by correcting for the tilting thereof. In one example, if the mobility aid device 100 tilts forward beyond a predetermined threshold angle (such as more than 100), the control module determines an off-balance condition of the mobility aid device 100. In such an example, the control module is operable to provide the electrical signal to the battery arrangement to provide additional electrical power to the motor arrangement. The additional electrical power provided to the motor arrangement provides torque to the wheel arrangement 106 so that the wheels 106A-B drive in the forward direction. Similarly, if the mobility aid device 100 tilts backward beyond a predetermined threshold angle (such as more than 10°), the control module determines an off-balance condition of the mobility aid device 100. In such an example, the control module is operable to provide the electrical signal to the battery arrangement to provide additional electrical power to the motor arrangement. The additional electrical power provided to the motor arrangement provides torque to the wheel arrangement 106 so that the wheels 106A-B drive in the backward direction.

Furthermore, the control module is operable to determine an absence of the off-balance condition, wherein the absence of the off-balance condition corresponds to satisfactory self-balancing of the mobility aid device 100. In such a situation, the control module is operable to cease providing the additional electrical signal when the mobility aid commence is self-balanced and subsequently, commence providing a normal amount of electrical power to the battery arrangement to enable standard operation of the mobility aid device 100. The self-balancing of the mobility aid device 100 via the control module enables the user to conveniently, reliably and efficiently manoeuvre the mobility aid device 100, such as within confined spaces, while ensuring a safety of the user. It will be appreciated that if the control module is unable to determine the off-balance condition (such as forward tilting) of the mobility aid device 100, the footrest arrangement 116 acts as a safety mechanism to prevent forward tilting of the mobility aid device 100 beyond a safety threshold (such as beyond 15°). Optionally, the mobility aid device 100 comprises a safety plate (or a safety shaft) attached to a rear of the main unit 104, wherein the safety plate functions as the footrest arrangement 116 prevent backward tilting of the mobility aid device 100 beyond the safety threshold (such as beyond 15°).

Optionally, the control module is operable to implement an artificial intelligence algorithm thereon. The artificial intelligence can, for example, determine the amount of tilting of the mobility aid device 100. For example, during off-balance conditions, such as when the mobility aid device 100 goes beyond the predetermined threshold angle (such as more than 10°), the artificial intelligence will monitor the off-balance condition and alert the control module. Subsequently, the control module will therefore enable self-balancing of the mobility aid device 100 to regain the balance thereof (as mentioned hereinabove).

In an alternative example, the control module is operable to determine a maximum height ("a critical height") in which a user is allowed to reach. In such an example, the user attempts to reach a particular height in view of the need of the user to adapt his/her position to perform a particular given task. The height may not exceed a critical value of height, which is the value that guarantees the stability of the mobility aid device and therefore the safety of the user (i.e. the critical height). The control module calculates the critical height based on a function of the weight and height of the user (the main variables of the function), the position of the adjustable parts as read by the sensors, and other parameters of the mobility aid device such as the materials of its composition (the parameters of the function). If the user attempts to reach a height that exceeds the critical height, the control module applies a safety mechanism, disallowing a manual control of height, thus preventing the critical height being exceeded. For example, a user may reach a height in a range of 80 cm to 340 cm, if allowed by the control module.

In one example, the artificial intelligence algorithm is operable to monitor one or more parameters associated with use of the mobility aid device 100 by the user, wherein the one or more parameters include, but are not limited to, time at which the user visits a location, the location visited by the user at specific times, speed at which the user feels comfortable driving the mobility aid device 100 at a given location, direction in which the user moves the mobility aid device 100 at different locations, distance covered by the mobility aid device 100 to reach a given location, an inclination angle of the floor surface at which the mobility aid device 100 is driven at a given location and so forth. The artificial intelligence algorithm will determine patterns associated with the use of the mobility aid device 100 such as on an ongoing basis (or in real-time).

Subsequently, the artificial intelligence algorithm enables operation of the mobility aid device 100 based on such determined patterns. For example, in operation, if the user every morning at a specific time visits a park at a certain distance from their home, the artificial intelligence algorithm will record the distance from the home of the user to the park, the time at which the user leaves the home and reaches the park, the inclinations of the floor surface encountered on the way, the speed at which the user prefers to travel and so forth. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence algorithm will determine patterns associated with the user travelling to the park from the home thereof. Subsequently, the artificial intelligence algorithm enables operation of the mobility aid device 100 based on the determined patterns, such as to enable the user to travel the distance from the home to the park at their preferred speed, safely traverse the inclinations of the floor surface encountered on the way and so forth. Optionally, the predetermined patterns can be allowed to be pre-set by the artificial intelligence algorithms, for example as a routine on the snnartphone thereof. Consequently, the user can select the routine to conveniently and efficiently use the mobility aid device 100 to travel to the park every morning.

Optionally, the artificial intelligence algorithm can determine an amount of electrical power stored in the battery arrangement. Subsequently, the artificial intelligence algorithm can correlate the predetermined patterns with the amount of electrical power stored in the battery arrangement. The artificial intelligence algorithm can determine the amount of electrical power of the battery arrangement needed by the user to operate the mobility aid device 100 for a specific time and alert the user about the charging requirements of the mobility aid device 100. For example, the user requires a certain amount of electrical power stored in the battery arrangement (for example, 15% of a total amount of electrical power that can be stored in the battery arrangement) for them to visit the park and come back to their home. Furthermore, the user is required to travel for a predetermined time of 3 hours for travelling to and from the park from the home thereof. The artificial intelligence algorithm will alert the user about the amount of electrical power stored in the battery arrangement if the battery arrangement needs to be electrically charged. Such an alert can be provided to the user by techniques such as: as a text message on the smartphone of the user, as a beep sound on the smartphone of the user and so forth.

Optionally, the artificial intelligence algorithm can determine one or more user preferences associated with the use of mobility aid device 100 by the user over a period of time (such as a week or a month), wherein one or more user preferences include, but are not limited to, the height of the seat arrangement 102 with respect to the floor surface at which the user feels comfortable and the pivoting angle of the arm rests 110A-B as preferred by the user. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence algorithm can alert the control module to calibrate the various arrangements of the mobility aid device 100 as required by the user. For example, the user prefers to maintain the seat arrangement 102 at a height of 0.5 metres with respect to the floor surface and maintain an angle of the arm rests 110A-B at 15°. In such an example, the control module is operable to calibrate the mobility aid device 100 prior to commencement of use thereof based on the user preferences determined by the artificial intelligence algorithm.

Optionally, external surfaces of the mobility aid device 100 are continuous and smooth, such that the surfaces can be wipe cleaned using a sponge or cloth rag. For example, the exterior surface of the mobility aid device 100 can be fabricated using thermally formed plastics-material panels or 3D printed plastics material panels which improves surface smoothness (such as, to reduce contaminants adhering to the surface and/or to improve aerodynamics associated therewith) and visual appeal of the mobility aid device 100. The mobility aid device 100 has smooth exterior surfaces that are readily cleanable (e.g. using a rag, brush or sponge) for reasons of hygiene (e.g. spills of food or body fluids). The hubs of the two wheels 106A-B of the mobility aid device 100 also have smooth external surfaces which ensures effortless cleaning and maintenance.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a block diagram of a mobility aid device 200 (such as the mobility aid device 100 of FIG. 1), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, mobility aid device 200 includes a seat arrangement 202, a main unit 204 and a wheel arrangement 206. The mobility aid device 200 is driven in operation from a motor arrangement 208 included in the main unit 204 and coupled to the wheel arrangement 206. The mobility aid device 200 employs a control module 210 that is included within the main unit 204. The main unit 204 includes a linear actuator arrangement 212. Furthermore, the mobility aid device includes a footrest arrangement 214 is coupled to the seat arrangement 202 via an interfacing arrangement 216 arranged between the linear actuator arrangement 212 and the seat arrangement 202. Moreover, the main unit 204 includes a rechargeable battery arrangement 218 for storing electrical power wherein the rechargeable battery arrangement 218 is connected to a resonant inductive charging arrangement 220. The mobility aid device 200 includes a control arrangement 222 for controlling operation of the mobility aid device 200. As shown, the control arrangement 222 is coupled to the rechargeable battery arrangement 218 via the control module 210. The mobility aid device 200 includes a wireless interface 224 that communicates in operation between the control arrangement 222 and a remote-control unit 226. The mobility aid device 200 includes a sensor arrangement 228 that senses driving conditions in an environment of the user, a feedback arrangement 230 that is controllable to provide feedback to the user, and a processor 232.

Referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B, there are shown steps of a method 300 of manufacturing a mobility aid device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobility aid device includes a seat arrangement upon which a user sits when the mobility aid device is in operation, a main unit that supports the seat arrangement, and a wheel arrangement that supports the main unit on a floor surface, a sensor arrangement that senses driving conditions in an environment of the user, a feedback arrangement that is controllable to provide feedback to the user, and a processor, wherein the mobility aid device is driven in operation from a motor arrangement included in the main unit and/or the wheel arrangement, wherein the mobility aid device is propelled forwards or backwards and turned by the motor arrangement. At a step 302, the wheel arrangement is arranged to include two wheels mounted at lateral sides of the main unit, wherein the two wheels are mutually independently drivable in operation by the motor arrangement. At a step 304, the mobility aid device is arranged to be self-balancing using the two wheels by employing a control module that controls an electrical signal that is applied to the motor arrangement. At a step 306 and, the wheels are arranged to be contained within an area that is less than 120% of a seating area of the seat arrangement. At a step 308, the sensor arrangement is arranged to sense the driving conditions to generate 5 sensor data. At a step 310, the processor is configured to: receive the sensor data from the sensor arrangement, process the sensor data to generate at least one feedback for the user, and control the feedback arrangement to provide the at least one feedback to the user. At a step 312, the feedback arrangement is arranged to provide the at least one 10 feedback to the user.

The steps 302 to 312 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, in the method 300, the step 312 may be performed prior to the step 310.

For example, the exterior surface of the mobility aid device can be fabricated using thermally formed plastics-material panels or 3D printed plastics material panels.

Disclosed is a software product recording on machine-readable data 20 storage media, wherein the software product is executable upon computing hardware for implementing a method of manufacturing a mobility aid device.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a nonexclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mobility aid device including a seat arrangement upon which a user sits when the mobility aid device is in operation, a main unit that supports the seat arrangement, a wheel arrangement that supports the 5 main unit on a floor surface, a sensor arrangement that senses driving conditions in an environment of the user, a feedback arrangement that is controllable to provide feedback to the user, and a processor, wherein the mobility aid device is driven in operation from a motor arrangement included in the main unit and/or the wheel arrangement, wherein the 10 mobility aid device is propelled forwards or backwards, and turned by the motor arrangement, wherein the wheel arrangement includes two wheels mounted at lateral sides of the main unit, wherein the two wheels are mutually independently driven in operation by the motor arrangement, the mobility aid device is self-balancing using the two wheels by employing a control module that controls an electrical signal that is applied to the motor arrangement, and the wheels are contained within an area that is less than 120% of a seating area of the seat arrangement; the sensor arrangement senses the driving conditions to generate sensor 20 data, the processor being configured to: - receive the sensor data from the sensor arrangement; - process the sensor data to generate at least one feedback for the user; and - control the feedback arrangement to provide the at least one feedback 25 to the user.
2. A mobility aid device according to claim 1, wherein the driving conditions depend on one or more of: a person in the environment of the user, an animal in the environment of the user, a temperature in the environment of the user, a climate in the environment of the user, an object in the environment of the user, a plant in the environment of the user, and/or a floor surface in the environment of the user.
3. A mobility aid device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the 5 sensor arrangement comprises one or more of: a light sensor, a sound sensor, a touch sensor, a movement sensor, a haptic sensor, a camera, a humidity sensor, and/or a temperature sensor.
4. A mobility aid device according to any of one of the preceding claims, wherein the feedback arrangement comprises one or more of: a 10 display, a light element, a speaker, and/or a haptic element.
5. A mobility aid device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one feedback is provided to the user in a given form, the given form comprising one or more of: a visual indication, a sound, and/or a vibration.
6. A mobility aid device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one feedback provided to the user is customised based on information indicated by the sensor data.
7. A mobility aid device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the given form of the at least one feedback provided to the user 20 is customised based on at least the information indicated by the sensor data.
8. A mobility aid device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobility aid device comprises at least one input device, wherein the processor is configured to: -extract at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre from a data repository; -receive at least one input from the user via the at least one input device to deploy the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre; and -enable the wheel arrangement to drive the mobility aid vehicle based on the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre.
9. A mobility aid device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one input device is implemented as one or more of: a touch screen, a joystick, 5 a keyboard, a microphone, a camera, an external user device, and/or a track ball.
10. A mobility aid device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the input is provided as one or more of: a touch-based input, an audio-based input, and/or a gesture-based input.
11. A mobility aid device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the at least one pre-programmed driving manoeuvre is implemented as one or more of: a pre-programmed turning manoeuvre, a pre-programmed trip to a given destination, and/or a pre-programmed parking manoeuvre.
12. A method of manufacturing a mobility aid device including a seat arrangement upon which a user sits when the mobility aid device is in operation, a main unit that supports the seat arrangement, and a wheel arrangement that supports the main unit on a floor surface, a sensor arrangement that senses driving conditions in an environment of the user, a feedback arrangement that is controllable to provide feedback to the user, and a processor, wherein the mobility aid device is driven in operation from a motor arrangement included in the main unit and/or the wheel arrangement, wherein the mobility aid device is propelled forwards or backwards, and turned by the motor arrangement, wherein the method includes: arranging for the wheel arrangement to include two wheels mounted at lateral sides of the main unit, wherein the two wheels are mutually independently drivable in operation by the motor arrangement; arranging for the mobility aid device to be self-balancing using the two wheels by employing a control module that controls an electrical signal that is applied to the motor arrangement; arranging for the wheels to be contained within an area that is less than 5 120% of a seating area of the seat arrangement; arranging the sensor arrangement to sense the driving conditions to generate sensor data; configuring the processor to: receive the sensor data from the sensor arrangement, process the sensor data to generate at least one feedback 10 for the user, and control the feedback arrangement to provide the at least one feedback to the user; and arranging the feedback arrangement to provide the at least one feedback to the user.
13. A software product recording on machine-readable data storage 15 media, wherein the software product is executable upon computing hardware for implementing a method according to claim 12.