designbuzz.com

Segway-based DEKA iBot wheelchair uses a tablet to navigate

Segway-based DEKA iBot wheelchair

Until or unless we have equal opportunity for everyone, we can’t say that the world has become a humane place. Age, sex, disability shouldn’t be a problem for anyone to achieve something. Designers all over the world are coming up with innovative solutions for all these problems. From wheelchairs to beds and clothes, if you are disabled, there’s no dearth of innovative products for you. You just have to search for options, you would definitely find something. There are plenty of products in the market like DEKA iBot wheelchair.

DEKA iBot wheelchair

deka ibot 01

Intended toward active paraplegics who live and work in urban and suburban environments, the “DEKA iBot” by designer David Bulfin is an innovative wheelchair designed to empower the disabled to live normally rather than rely on a wheelchair accessible infrastructure. Based on the Segway technology, the modular wheelchair gives the paraplegics the ability to sit, stand and scale over stairs with minimum fuss. The wheelchair automatically braces the body when moving to a standing posture. The mobility aid can change its form, climb stairs and glide on two wheels via linear induction.

Integrating a computing system that works with a home server through a bedside dock, the wheelchair becomes a lifestyle device, as it allows digital interaction to let the user handle GPS navigation, productivity, entertainment and communication through a multi-touch tablet stored under the seat. A biometric arm tag, located beneath the tablet, links the user to the chair. In case the user falls out of the chair, the chair can find and approach the user for assistance. The arm tag also acts as the wireless key for the device with basic remote control functionality.

The wheelchair lowers the four small omnidirectional wheels for indoor use, allowing low speed and high maneuverability around furniture and through doors. These wheels also prevent dirt and water on the main wheels from entering the home. The wheelchair also includes a storage compartment that opens to carry groceries or other cargo weighting up to 40lbs. Running on main wheels, the DEKA iBot wheelchair can reach a top speed of 10 mph.

deka ibot 02
deka ibot 03
deka ibot 04
deka ibot 05
deka ibot 06

[Thanks David]

Some more concepts for the disabled similar to DEKA iBot wheelchair

1. Vertical Platform

vertical platform 1 OT22v 17621

Using public vehicle can be a challenging task for the able-bodied, so one can imagine how hard it must be for the differently-abled. However, a young Brazilian designer, Daniele Adamo Andreos, has come up with an innovative lifting system design that will help physically disabled people in boarding and de-boarding public transport. Winning entry at the IF Product Design Award 2008, the Vertical Platform will allow a wheelchair-user to get in and out of an urban bus. The modular system transforms into a platform to lift the disabled into the vehicle. When closed it turns into a staircase for normal users. Moreover, the entire system is finished with sustainable ABS plastic and galvanized steel, supporting the eco-drive going on across the world.

2. Overhead projector desk design for disabled teachers

overhead projector desk
Now this makes perfect sense. A special overhead projector desk design for disabled lecturers was long overdue. Thanks to Reinier Halbertsma and Sarah Hay, disabled professors would now have an easier time using slides while delivering lectures and more. Not surprisingly, the inspiration behind this happens to be a disabled Professor who generously field-tested many prototypes.

This overhead projector desk design enables the user to switch easily between overhead slides and use the central grab rail for mobility, aided by wheels attached at the bottom. It can be used in a number of configurations suited to convenience and requirement. It would definitely make it easier to use your overhead projectors.

3. Container1

container02

Rewarded for ingenious innovation with the Sparbanksstiftelsen Kronan award, “Container1” is a thoughtful design by Gylldorff & Svalin in collaboration with Kalmar Sunds Regionens Renhallare (KSRR). This eco-friendly waste container makes recycling more convenient and effortless. It is highly accessible even for children and disabled people with a number of doors positioned at different levels from the ground, making it easy for children and wheelchair users to get to it.

As the container rests on a nylon feet, the noise while emptying it is absorbed totally and also, the curved base of the feet prevents it from corrosion. The design features small lids which can be easily replaced when spoiled, keeping the entire roof intact. The container also has a built-in rack toward the outer side offering a room for a bag or parcel. This metallic bin is lower as compared to the existing containers, but it is shaped to recycle the same quantity of waste as others in a much reliable manner.

4. Globath shower

globath shower module 02
A relaxed bath in a comfy bathroom is more than enough to freshen up your body and mind. However, what if your bathroom comes incorporated with a shelved wardrobe, a dryer and a storage space for a bath kit, including soap, shampoo, conditioner and body wash? It would simply make your day. Definitely, we are talking about the all-in-one bathroom concept, dubbed “Globath shower,” from Fatih Can Sarıöz. It features a big circular shower (in the middle of the rooftop) with a motorized seat. The motorized seat  accommodates the users with different builds or ages. Furthermore, it even lets the physically disabled have access to the shower, with minimum fuss as well. We are a little apprehensive about the size of the shower door for the obese, but the rest seems perfect.

5. IX Transfer System

ix transfer system 01

Intended toward physically disabled people, the “IX” is a short-distance transfer system. It helps the disabled to move them from one place to another with greater ease. It is designed by a bunch of designers, including Tan Liren, Tan Jun Yuan and Lim Yi Xiang. Furthermore, this mobility aid alleviates the physical stress on the attendant through the inclusion of a pivoting action. This shifts the weight to move the patient. It is ideal for public places such as a hospital. Moreover, the transfer system not only reduces the assistance required by the disabled but also reduces the stress on the caretakers.

Positioned in front of the seating of the user, the IX switches to the lift mode to lift and get the patient onto it to move him/her from one room to another with minimum fuss. The mobility aid also switches to the release mode to slide the patient onto chair, bed or even toilet seat. Moreover, it includes a breaking system, which keeps it stable while placing or lifting the user.

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top