This smart wheelchair made by IIT Madras can be driven on roads
- 24th Aug 2021
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Times of India
Link for the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VHk_NlBn8Y
Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have developed a motorized wheelchair vehicle that can be used not only on roads but even on uneven terrains. Called 'NeoBolt', it has a maximum speed of 25 kmph and travels up to 25 km per charge.
NeoBolt is developed by a team led by professor Sujatha Srinivasan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, and has been commercialised through a startup called 'NeoMotion.' The Startup has been co-founded by professor Srinivasan and an IIT Madras Alumni, Swostik Sourav Dash, who is the CEO of NeoMotion.
The start-up has also developed and commercially launched 'NeoFly,' a personalised wheelchair. "NeoFly is a wheelchair that is customised to the user. It is built to provide comfort, efficient propulsion, higher manoeuvrability and superior ergonomics. The motor-powered attachment, NeoBolt converts NeoFly into a safe, road-worthy vehicle that can navigate any kind of terrain that we may normally encounter - drive through unpaved streets or climb a steep gradient. And do this comfortably as it has suspensions to absorb the shocks," said Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan.
"Along with product warranty, we provide spare parts and after-sales service so that our users can use the products hassle-free. Our immediate focus is to ramp up production and make NeoFly and NeoBolt available to users across India. NeoFly
personalized wheelchair is available at Rs 39,900 and NeoBolt motorized add-on is available at Rs 55,000. We offer convenient EMI options," said Dash.