Omni-Directional Wheelchair
with Driver-Assistance System

Design Objectives Semi-autonomous omni-directional wheelchair Footprint size about 1m x 1m, with payload about 100kg Rimmed Mecanum wheel version Independent suspension on all four wheels

Photos (click to enlarge or to start video)

Videos

• See directory

Students

• Wheel design by Gordon Menk
• Seat and stick plate design, driver assistance software by Mei Leong
• Robot chassis, suspension, motor controller integration, stick-operated driving by Ben Woods
• Directed by Assoc. Prof. Thomas Bräunl
• Student theses on ftp

Mecanum Wheels

We have been often asked about where to purchase Mecanum wheels. Mecaum wheels are a Swedish patent from over 20 years ago, so it has expired by now. We designed and manufactured our own Mecanum wheels at UWA. However, there are some companies that are selling Mecanum wheels:

• Andy Mark Mecanum Wheels (45 degree Mecanum wheels for larger 4-wheel designs)
• Torwegge Allseitenrollen (90 degree plastic Mecanum wheels for small model 3-wheel designs)

Sponsors

	DNM Suspension have kindly provided us with the 4 independent suspension systems used on the wheelchair for free. The product is their DV-22 Torch Suspension, and is designed for mountain bicycles.
	Technology Assisting Disability WA Inc have been a great help throughout the design and implementation of this wheelchair. They have provided us with product samples for trial on numerous occasions, and given us much feedback on practical wheelchair design.