Developing wheelchair-accessible maps of Delhi

The international project will make navigating Delhi easier for wheelchair-users.

Researchers from the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) are working with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi) to create wheel-chair friendly maps of the city.

The team are using low-cost sensors that can identify pavement features and determine the force wheelchair users need to propel themselves. These sensors connect to the user’s smartphone. Users can add geotagged photos and voice notes.

The researchers, led by Dr Cathy Holloway (UCL Interaction Centre), worked with local charities to recruit study participants. The participants’ anonymised data was used to create the map. The research team are now working on expanding their map and providing rehabilitation services to wheelchair users.

Related links:

• UK-India collaboration to develop wheelchair-accessible maps of Delhi