PHAS (Personalized Hands-free Assistive System) is a modular eye-gaze assistive mobility platform designed to restore independent mobility for individuals with severe motor impairments, including quadriplegia, motor neuron disease (MND), ALS, muscular dystrophy, and other neuromuscular disorders.

Millions of people worldwide are unable to operate conventional powered wheelchair controls because they lack reliable hand or arm movement. Existing powered wheelchairs and specialized assistive systems are often expensive, proprietary, and require purchasing an entirely new wheelchair, limiting accessibility for many users.

PHAS addresses this challenge through an affordable retrofit approach. Instead of replacing the wheelchair, the platform installs onto an existing manual wheelchair using modular components that can be repaired, upgraded, or replaced independently.

The platform consists of three primary modules:

• Eye-Gaze Control Module — uses computer vision to translate eye movements into navigation commands after a short calibration process.

• Motor Drive Module — converts a conventional manual wheelchair into a powered mobility platform while preserving the original wheelchair structure.

• Alternative Joystick Module — provides interchangeable manual powered control for caregivers or users who prefer joystick navigation.

Safety was a key design consideration throughout development. The system incorporates obstacle detection, blink-to-stop functionality, emergency stop capability, and manual override to improve operational safety.

Unlike many assistive mobility solutions that are permanently integrated into dedicated wheelchairs, PHAS follows a modular ecosystem philosophy. Future assistive modules can be added without redesigning the entire platform, extending product lifespan while reducing maintenance costs and electronic waste.

A functional working prototype was designed, manufactured, assembled, and experimentally validated by the development team. The project integrates mechanical design, embedded electronics, computer vision, and human-centered product design into a single assistive mobility solution.

Beyond restoring mobility, PHAS aims to reduce caregiver dependence, improve independence, and make advanced assistive technology more accessible through a scalable, affordable, and upgradeable design. By combining practical engineering with inclusive design principles, PHAS demonstrates how intelligent modular systems can improve quality of life while making advanced assistive mobility attainable for a broader population.