Japan invents the world’s most cumbersome wheelchair
Japan gives the wheelchair a hi-tech overhaul
—GPS and obstacle-avoidance on board—
31st August 2009, ReHardware.co.uk—
A Japanese firm has developed a hi-tech wheelchair that’s able to avoid obstacles and find its way around – while being more comfortable for the passenger. [The] Rodem – roughly translated as Robot for Enjoying Mobility… is a universal vehicle designed to help people move more freely and with greater independence...more...
Yeah, yeah, this wheelchair “looks” insane.
However, the whole idea of this wheelchair is aid the “infirm” (weak or old) rather than than paraplegic.
This wheelchair is only for the convenience of the caregivers, not the users (patients).
The whole idea of this wheelchair is aid the “infirm” (weak or old) rather than than the traditional “handicapped.” It’s designed for the Japanese nursing home environments, which are criminally understaffed because Japan ridiculously refuses even the idea of having foreign nurses provide care (although the Philippines offers a willing and plentiful supply).
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September 1st, 2009 at 1:34 pm
I am a nurse in long term care. There is a reason transport chairs have backs for support, and why sides or fronts near legs are open for transfer. You aren’t going to carry a 200 pound disabled person from behind and lift them onto this device. Someone able to mount this device as if it were a motorcycle and hold themselves upright for an indefinite period, is in limited need of a wheelchair.
This device should instead be marketed as a sportier version of a Segway, using the additional mass to house more powerful motors and batteries, without the need to stand upright at all times.