DEVELOPMENT OF A MICROCONTROLLER-BASED SMART CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR USING JOYSTICK AND MOBILE INTERFACE

In this paper, an ESP32 microcontroller is used to develop and build a joystick-controlled electric wheelchair. Through simple joystick-based control, the technology is intended to give elderly or physically impaired people autonomous movement. Two geared DC motors cou pled by a sprocket and chain transmission system power the wheelchair, which is constructed with a square tube frame. Each drive motor's speed and direction are managed by two BTS7960 high-current motor driver modules. The main input device is a joystick m odule, and control commands are also remotely sent via Wi-Fi using the Blynk program. The system is powered by a 12V 40A battery. To move the wheelchair forward, backward, left, and right, the ESP32 uses relay-controlled circuitry to detect joystick inputs and deliver the proper PWM signals to the BTS7960 motor drivers. For both home usage and rehabilitation facilities, the suggested system offers an inexpensive, dependable, and remotely controlled mobility option.