Accessible Restraints for Wheelchair Users in Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract

Autonomous vehicles present a significant opportunity to reduce transportation barriers for those in the disabled community, yet modern passenger restraint systems remain largely undeveloped and inaccessible for wheelchair users. For the 2.7 million wheelchair users in the U.S., safe and self-reliant securement in a vehicle is challenging — and all but impossible for those with compounding disabilities. Through a sponsorship with General Motors, this project has developed an accessible restraint system incorporating presentation, manipulation, and securement of a seatbelt for GM’s shared AV platforms that promotes safe and independent travel for wheelchair users with impaired upper-body mobility, dexterity, and/or vision.