Wireless Data Transmission in Mobility Devices for Children with Cognitive Impairment: Enhancing Rehabilitation Monitoring

Abstract

Power Mobility Devices (PMDs) used in adaptive ride-on toys are increasingly popular for supporting independent exploration in children with mobility impairments. However, current monitoring practices rely primarily on self-reported feedback from caregivers, which can be subjective and delayed with incomplete information reaching clinicians. This paper presents a sensor-enabled ride-on monitoring system that allows objective data collection and wireless transmission of usage data. The system integrates onboard sensors with two wireless communication platforms: LTE-enabled Arduino MKR NB 1500 and a Wi-Fi-based Arduino Nano 33 IoT. These platforms enable secure transmission of usage data to a cloud-based repository, where information is automatically logged for analysis and clinical review. SIM card-based long-term evolution (LTE) connectivity provides extended geographic coverage and reliable remote monitoring, while Wi-Fi offers low-latency, energy-efficient data transfer in indoor or clinical environments. To ensure data continuity, local storage with automatic retransmission is implemented during connectivity interruptions. Bench and field testing demonstrated reliable performance over 1-3 hour sessions, with successful data recovery following network disruptions. This system establishes a scalable framework for objective PMD usage monitoring and will be integrated into adaptive ride-on toys for future clinical evaluation with pediatric users.