Just started work on hacking an electric wheelchair for robotic use. Actually bought two and stripped one down to its basic chassis. My dream: this robot controlled by my laptop strolling down the street. It would have its own WIFI laptop connected via SKYPE to my remote. That way, people can see and communicate with me and I with them. It would also have a "play" USB rocket launcher. You've probably seen these toys. Well, why not? And of course, joystick operation.
Typical Wheelchair
During the strip down operation the static brake had to be removed from the motor assembly. This brake system has a solenoid that removes the brake when energized. It's fail-safe in nature. Should you lose battery power, the brake locks in and the chair is immobilized. Its short coming is that it uses power.
Wheelchair stripped down to its chassis.
Note the DIN rails mounted for the control box.
Once stripped down and the DIN rails were added for the control box, two 12 VDC lead acid batteries were sourced that will fit into the battery compartment.
Wire harness for the power supply and two electric drives finished with the control box in place.
