Collision Avoidance

A safety feature in assistive technology, robotics, and intelligent wheelchairs that automatically detects obstacles in the user's path and takes action to prevent impact — typically by stopping the device, alerting the user, or redirecting movement. Collision avoidance systems use various sensing technologies including stereo-vision cameras, laser range finders, sonar, and infrared sensors to build depth maps of the environment and identify objects within a critical distance threshold. In the context of powered wheelchairs for users with cognitive or visual impairments, collision avoidance is essential for enabling independent mobility while ensuring safety in environments with people, furniture, and walls.