Image by National Cancer Institute, from Unsplash
Smart Wheelchair Enhances Mobility With AI-Driven Shared Control
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
A new smart wheelchair, the CoNav Chair, described in a paper on the arXiv preprint platform, features a shared control system that combines autonomous navigation with user input to enhance mobility, trust, and efficiency for people with disabilities (PWD).
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- It reduces abrupt turns, improving comfort compared to manual or fully autonomous systems.
- It has higher success rates and fewer collisions in complex environments.
- The system integrates LiDAR, cameras, and sensors for real-time situational awareness.
Researchers designed the Robot Operating System (ROS)-based wheelchair to bridge the gap between fully autonomous and manual control systems, which often lead to inefficiencies and reduced user trust. They
Unlike traditional powered wheelchairs (PWC), which can be difficult to operate, or autonomous wheelchairs that limit user control, the CoNav Chair allows users to override the navigation system when necessary.
This hybrid approach ensures smoother movement while preventing abrupt stops or inefficient route choices. The research team tested the system in real-world indoor environments, demonstrating its advantages over fully manual and autonomous modes.
The wheelchair integrates LiDAR sensors, a camera, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and encoders, allowing it to map its surroundings and navigate obstacles efficiently. The shared control algorithm lets users guide the wheelchair while relying on its automated features for smoother and safer navigation.
The software is built on a ROS-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) framework, which allows the wheelchair to construct a detailed 2D map of indoor environments. The system balances user input with AI-driven navigation, enhancing both efficiency and safety.
Experimental results demonstrated that the CoNav Chair significantly improves navigation efficiency compared to both manual and fully autonomous systems. It achieves shorter completion times and follows more direct routes than manual operation, allowing users to reach their destinations more quickly.
The shared control system enables smoother trajectories, reducing abrupt turns and enhancing overall comfort. Additionally, the wheelchair demonstrates higher success rates and fewer collisions, making it a more reliable option for navigating complex environments.
Manual control often led to more collisions due to user miscalculations, while autonomous systems sometimes struggled with sharp turns or obstacles. The CoNav Chair effectively combines the strengths of both approaches, allowing for user intervention when necessary while leveraging automation in simpler scenarios.
The CoNav Chair represents a significant step toward improving mobility solutions for PWD, offering a balance between autonomy and user control. By enhancing trust and navigation efficiency, this smart wheelchair has the potential to increase independence and social integration for individuals relying on mobility assistance.
Image by Gage Skidmore, from Flickr
Hawley’s AI Bill Proposes Jail For Downloading Chinese AI Models
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) has introduced a bill that could impose severe penalties on individuals who download artificial intelligence models developed in China, as first reported by 404 Media.
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- Hawley’s bill criminalizes downloading Chinese AI models like DeepSeek, with penalties up to 20 years.
- The bill prohibits AI technology imports and research collaboration between the U.S. and China.
- Critics warn it threatens scientific exchange and could penalize AI researchers and users.
The proposed Decoupling America’s Artificial Intelligence Capabilities from China Act seeks to prohibit AI technology imports from China and penalize those who knowingly download AI models like DeepSeek with up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine , or both.
Hawley argues that American data and dollars should not fuel China’s technological advancements. “Every dollar and gig of data that flows into Chinese AI are dollars and data that will ultimately be used against the United States,” he said in a statement, reported by 404 Media.
He singled out DeepSeek , a Chinese AI model that rivals U.S. counterparts , claiming it “a data-harvesting, low-cost AI model that sparked international concern and sent American technology stocks plummeting,” as reported by 404 Media
The bill not only bans exporting AI infrastructure, like semiconductors and intellectual property, but also restricts importing AI technologies from China—including potentially AI model weights, though this isn’t explicitly stated. It could extend to downloading AI models, though enforcement remains uncertain, as reported by The Register .
Additionally, investing in Chinese AI firms would be prohibited, potentially impacting American shareholders with stakes in these companies, noted The Register.
It also extends to research collaboration, potentially penalizing scientists who share AI studies that could be accessed in China, as noted by 404 MediA.
Why are we allowing American tech giants like Microsoft to help China develop DeepSeek and other AI? It’s insane. We should ban the transfer of AI technology to China immediately https://t.co/h4aSy7HFyb — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) January 29, 2025
Critics have raised concerns about the bill’s broad language and potential consequences. Kevin Bankston, a senior AI policy advisor at the Center for Democracy & Technology, called it
“a broad attack on the very idea of scientific dialogue and technology exchange with China around AI, with potentially ruinous penalties for AI researchers and users alike and deeply troubling implications for the future of online speech and freedom of scientific inquiry.,” as reported by 404 Media.
The legislation’s wording could criminalize millions of Americans who have downloaded DeepSeek, currently one of the most popular apps on the Apple App Store.
Legal experts note that the bill specifies penalties for individuals who “willfully” violate its provisions. However, Bankston warns that even accidental downloads could trigger civil penalties, says 404 Media.
Kit Walsh from the Electronic Frontier Foundation cautioned that the bill might strengthen Big Tech’s control over AI by limiting open research, as reported by 404 Media.
Hawley’s office has not responded to requests for comment, said 404 Media.
