Toyota helps reboot iBOT ‘walking’ wheelchair

Toyota is joining forces with DEKA Research and Development, the company founded by Segway inventor Dean Kamen, to develop and launch the next generation iBOT motorised wheelchair.

iBOT prototype 02

The iBOT is a motorised wheelchair that can ‘walk’ up and down stairs. Its revolutionary design features two sets of powered and rotating wheels, which allows users to rise from a traditional seat level to travel in a ‘standing’ configuration that can tackle a variety of terrain types, including stairs.

Click this link for more information on the next generation iBOT

iBOT prototype

“Our company is very focused on mobility solutions for all people,” commented Osamu Nagata, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Toyota Motor North America. “We realise that it is important to help older adults and people with special needs live well and continue to contribute their talents and experience to the world.”

iBOT prototype 03

“Toyota and DEKA share the same vision of making mobility available to people of every kind of ability,” said DEKA founder Dean Kamen. “We are excited about this new relationship and excited about what it means for making that dream a reality.”

Learn more: How is Toyota helping blind and visually impaired people?
Learn more: What is Motability and does Toyota take part?

5 comments

  1. Dear Sir,
    thank you for seeing the possibility in this excellent machine, I was sad when it went out of production.

    My brother might benefit from one, are they available in the UK?

    Yours faithfully,
    WBB

    1. Hi Jon,
      Thanks for your question.
      Unfortunately, we have no further information on this project since its original release, as this was a US led initiative.
      If anything changes, we will update this blog article.
      Many thanks.

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