Technion (Israel): UPnRIDE, wheelchair in standing or sitting position

Millions of disabled people and seniors worldwide suffering from impaired walking, are confined to a sedentary lifestyle in a wheelchair, causing health deterioration, poor quality of life, and high medical expenses – a burden for the disabled, their families and health insurers. Numerous studies have demonstrated the physical and mental health benefits of wheelchairs with a standing position, which enables users to mobilize body parts, and reduce falls when reaching for high objects.

As the number of wheelchair and scooter users grows, due to both increasing accidents and aging populations, many seek a smart mobility device that will provide fully-functional standing and sitting mobility, improve health, enhance social inclusion, and reduce healthcare and living expenses.

UPnRIDE is a wheeled robotic device, providing upright and seated mobility both for wheelchair users, and for anyone who is unable to, or has difficulty standing or walking.

UPnRIDE offers numerous medical, psychological, and economic benefits, ensuring safety while standing, sitting, and shifting between positions, in practically any urban environment.

Upright mobility offers a world of benefits

Automatic balancing assures safe ride uphill, downhill, and on slanted surfaces, in both standing and sitting positions – suitable for most wheelchair users. Standing up vertically – a vital medical necessity – counterbalances the impact of prolonged sitting, enabling functional activities, and enhancing overall health.Provides eye-level view in social interactions, enhancing dignity, social inclusion and self-esteem, and heightening quality of life. Reduces secondary complications of long-term sitting, lowering the need for hospitalization, medications and physiotherapy – a significant saving for health insurers, users, and their families.