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They are especially significant for people with movement disorders who lack sufficient hand\u2010grasp and release ability or sufficient targeting skill to use joysticks.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Design\/methodology\/approach<\/jats:title><jats:p>Laboratory test rigs are created to test proportional switches and teach potential users. Then, trials are conducted with a rolling road and in real situations. Caster angle\u2010measurement is selected to provide feedback to minimize drift away from a chosen course and an electronic solution was created to match driver control to caster\u2010steering\u2010position. A case study is described as an example.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Findings<\/jats:title><jats:p>Results and advantages are presented from changing from using a set of digital\u2010switches to a set of new variable\u2010switches and then adding a sensor system to prevent veer on slopes. Systems have been tested for nearly two years and shown to assist powered\u2010wheelchair\u2010users with poor targeting skills.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Research limitations\/implications<\/jats:title><jats:p>The research used wheelchairs with caster\u2010wheels but the systems could easily be used on other wheelchairs.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Practical implications<\/jats:title><jats:p>Simple input\u2010devices are presented that isolate gross motor function and are tolerant to involuntary movements (proportional\u2010switches). A sensor system is presented that assists users in steering across sloping or uneven ground.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type=\"abstract-heading\">Originality\/value<\/jats:title><jats:p>Proportional\u2010switches and sensors are shown to reduce veer and provide more control over turn and forward speed and turn radius while reducing frustration and improving energy conservation. The simple and affordable systems could be created and attached to many standard powered\u2010wheelchairs in many organisations.<\/jats:p><\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.1108\/01439911011018939","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2010,2,20]],"date-time":"2010-02-20T07:02:21Z","timestamp":1266649341000},"page":"157-167","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":44,"title":["Improving wheelchair\u2010driving using a sensor system to control wheelchair\u2010veer and variable\u2010switches as an alternative to digital\u2010switches or joysticks"],"prefix":"10.1108","volume":"37","author":[{"given":"David A.","family":"Sanders","sequence":"first","affiliation":[]},{"given":"Martin","family":"Langner","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]},{"given":"Giles E.","family":"Tewkesbury","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[]}],"member":"140","reference":[{"key":"key2022031620350760800_b1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Barker, D.J., Reid, D. and Cott, C. 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