User Action Recognition Using a Fabric Pressure Distribution Sensor in an Electric Wheelchair for Soil Cultivation

Abstract

Advancements in robotics technology and information and communication technology have significantly affected agriculture, especially systems that aid workers. Soil cultivation often requires prolonged bending, which results in physical strain. A commercially available work wheelchair reduces back strain, but lacks power assistance and relies on leg movements. In a previous study, we developed an electric wheelchair with a fabric pressure-distribution sensor on the seat. This sensor, combined with a fuzzy controller, aids movement by measuring the center of pressure fluctuations and reducing leg strain. However, it does not recognize user’s actions, such as standing or sitting, and requires the wheelchair to stop. This study introduced a user-action recognition system using a wheelchair seat pressure sensor. This system accurately recognizes user actions through deep learning time-series data. We evaluated data augmentation and multi-user data to enhance the performance. The results show improved prediction accuracy for action recognition in the test scenarios.