Tokyo robotics experts unveil sci-fi wheelchair

Robotics and medical experts in Japan unveiled the prototype of a new hi-tech electric wheelchair that resembles a scooter and promises greater mobility. Users ride astride the four-wheeled Rodem — rather than sitting in it, as in a conventional wheelchair — steer it with a joystick and hold onto motorbike-style handles while the knees and chest rest on cushions. The design allows users to slide more easily on and off the vehicle, lessening reliance on care-givers to lift them, the inventors said.

“I believe this is a whole new idea for a wheelchair,” said Makoto Hashizume, head of the Veda International Robot Research and Development Centre and a medical professor of Kyushu University. “With this vehicle, users can move around more freely and more actively without much help from other people.”

The robotics and medical specialists, including from Germany and Italy, aim to invent robots for use in health and nursing.

Mobility Buddy is your expert in mobility aids such as lightweight wheelchairs, folding wheelchairs, shoprider scooters, electric wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs.

Mobility Buddy

Mobility Buddy has a caring, dedicated and understanding team with over 20 years experience in supplying mobility aids. Their goal is to supply top quality mobility wheelchairs, electric disabled scooters, electric wheelchairs and other living aids at a fair price with excellent service.

Mobility Wheelchairs are an ideal mobility device for getting about. Mobility Buddy has a wide variety of different mobility wheelchairs to suit every individual need. There are two different types of wheelchair; electric wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs both suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Shop online for their full product range of  high quality electric wheelchairs, Pride Scooters or lightweight wheelchairs all available to order online with free UK delivery.