University of Notre Dame - LifeDrive

LifeDrive creates adaptive technology for people with disabilities, empowering them to greater independence through CRT power wheelchair control even if their needs change. These alternative drive solutions enable them to safely control a wheelchair with eye, voice, or mobile joystick applications. In addition to driving, LifeDrive apps allow them to turn their chairs on and off, fully adjust seating position, and change settings like speed, driving profile, and lights. The LifeDrive solution includes a hardware device which is a “bridge” between a wheelchair and an eye gaze system or mobile phone. Eye gaze systems running on Windows and Apple systems use EyeDrive software to control the wheelchair through eye control. Mobile phones use the CareDrive app to drive and adjust the wheelchair. In addition to CareDrive, iPhones can also use VoiceDrive to control the wheelchair through voice commands. The LifeDrive suite of applications can be used simultaneously; for example, a person can drive the wheelchair using eye gaze while a caregiver runs CareDrive on a mobile phone. By providing multiple options that give full access to control a CRT power wheelchair, LifeDrive allows for more flexibility and choice in a user’s ability to maintain their quality of life and independence.