SMARTER WHEELCHAIR DRIVING WITH COMOVEIT
Earlier this month, Anthony had the pleasure of speaking with Michiel from CoMoveIT on the Wheel Chat podcast episode, 'Smarter Wheelchair Driving.'
It was a fascinating and insightful conversation that highlighted how CoMoveIT’s innovative head-foot wheelchair steering system, the CoMoveIT Smart, is transforming the lives of people with severe motor disabilities.
One statistic that Michiel highlighted particularly stood out: 60% of CoMoveIT clients had never successfully driven a wheelchair before trying this system. For many of these individuals, the idea of independent mobility once felt completely out of reach, until now.
A New Way to Control a Wheelchair
The best wheelchair control system is always the one that fits the individual. For some, that might be a joystick or a head array. But for many people with cerebral palsy, particularly those deemed as ‘unable to drive’, CoMoveIT offers a new opportunity for mobility, confidence, and independence.
So, how does it work?
The CoMoveIT Smart System uses tactile sensors to detect head and/or foot movements. With 160 pressure-sensitive zones, the sensors pick up even small movements, which the intelligent software processes and converts into steering signals for the wheelchair.
Crucially, the system can filter out involuntary movements thanks to advanced algorithms developed from years of research. During a supervised training phase, the control system adapts to the user, continuously learning and fine-tuning itself to ensure the wheelchair responds to their intent, not just their physical motion.
What Makes CoMoveIT Unique?
Unlike traditional switch systems, CoMoveIT adapts to the user, not the other way around. Its innovative design offers several standout advantages:
- Adaptive algorithm & advanced sensors – the system learns each user’s unique movement patterns.
- Requires only small, low-force movements – translating inconsistent or involuntary actions into smooth, intuitive control.
- Avoids extreme postures – preventing pain, discomfort, and long-term deformities.
- Bridges the gap – works for individuals where joysticks, proportional controls, or head arrays fail.
Key Benefits
There are several key benefits to using the CoMoveIT Smart System;
- Smooth and intuitive driving, even with involuntary movement.
- Boosts confidence by making the wheelchair respond to intention, not just effort.
- Allows fluid movement (e.g, forward and left at the same time), avoiding the stop-start feel of many other systems.
- Expands access for people with a wide range of cerebral palsy classifications.
As Michiel stated:
“We’re breaking the cycle where driving means pain, but not driving means losing independence.”
Beyond Mobility: Social Inclusion
In our conversation, we also discussed how CoMoveIT isn’t just about driving a wheelchair; it’s about participation. With Bluetooth connectivity, users can control a computer, tablet, or even a gaming console.
For children and young people especially, this shift is life-changing. Instead of watching siblings or friends play, they can join in themselves. Gaming becomes more than entertainment; it’s an avenue for social inclusion, independence, and emotional growth.
The benefits extend well beyond mobility: improved well-being, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of independence.
Redefining what’s possible
Ultimately, CoMoveIT is redefining what’s possible for people with severe motor disabilities. By combining cutting-edge technology with user-centred design, it delivers not just mobility, but freedom, confidence, and inclusion. The stories Michiel shared on the podcast were a powerful reminder that when the right technology meets the right person, independence becomes a reality.
Learn More
You can listen/watch the full podcast episode with Michiel here or find out more about CoMoveIT Smart Steering System here