Steered by sight: Eye-controlled wheelchair wins praise at expo

Sahil, a BTech (Biotechnology) student at the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, has developed a smart wheelchair controlled entirely by eye movement — an innovation designed to assist individuals with disabilities in both their arms and legs.

Driven by the adage "Where there is a will, there is a way," Sahil created the eye-operated wheelchair after being inspired by a close family acquaintance.

“I wanted to help my grandfather’s friend, who lost the use of both his legs and arms after an accident,” Sahil told The Tribune. “I thought of many possible solutions and finally hit upon the idea of making a wheelchair operated through eye movement.”

The system works through a pair of specially designed spectacles fitted with sensors that track the user's gaze. These signals are translated into directional commands for the wheelchair.

“The person simply needs to look in the direction they wish to go,” Sahil explained. “Looking straight moves the wheelchair forward, glancing left or right turns it accordingly, looking down moves it backward, and looking up stops it.”

Sahil showcased his innovation at an exhibition held on the MDU campus to mark National Technology Day 2025, where it received appreciation from visitors and faculty alike.

Dr Deepak Chhabra, faculty coordinator of the exhibition, called it a breakthrough idea. “The eye-operated smart wheelchair is an innovative concept and could prove to be a boon for individuals with severe physical impairments,” he said.