The contraption we know today as the wheelchair dates back as far as the sixth century BC. Since then, there have been quite a few advancements in the technology of mobility improvement, but one thing that remains is that wheelchairs and stairs are mortal enemies. The wheelchair ramp is as iconic as the wheelchair itself.
The Chiba Institute of Technology has managed to develop a robotic wheelchair that is capable of climbing over steps. The best part is that the design is completely user-friendly. The rider moves the device around just like a normal wheelchair, with a joystick that controls the speed and direction. However, if it detects that there is a step in the way, the wheels become legs and it lifts the entire machine over the step.
This technology also allows the chair to remain level when it moves across slanted or uneven terrain. By dynamically adjusting the height of the wheels, the balance will remain intact. It is still a very nascent concept and development is under way, but it’s a positive sign for the future.
The prototype machine takes its time in recognizing that there is a step, ensuring it can go over it, and then making the necessary adjustments. It is certainly quite an advancement in what could be a significant impact in the market.
The scientists involved in the stair-climbing wheelchair say that this is still a concept, but they are confident that it can now be shown to the world. They say the main thing to work on now is fine-tuning the user experience.
This isn’t the only development going on in the accessibility market. Just recently we talked about this incredible motorized Lego wheelchair.