TECHNOLOGY WATCH
LFC Concept
In developing countries , it ’ s often difficult , if not impossible , to get anywhere in the community with a standard push-rim wheelchair . There are rarely any sidewalks . Most roads aren ’ t paved , and dirt roads are usually muddy and bumpy . Hills are steep . And those who need to go to the market or other places have to travel long distances to get there . What ’ s a wheelchair user to do ?
The GRIT Freedom Chair ( above right ) is an idea born to meet the needs of wheelchair users in developing countries . The all-terrain wheelchair has easy to push levers that amplify force to make it easier to self-propel over grass , sand , and rough terrain .
The Leveraged Freedom Chair ( LFC ) Concept ( below right ) showcases what could be possible for wheelchair users in developed countries . The LFC Concept is a new vision of the originally design . The proposed LFC Concept would be a lightweight , utility wheelchair with a bent aluminum spine and custom profile . In addition to molded ports and a carbon fiber seatback frame , the LFC Concept seatback would have the feeling of an office chair created with a light-weight stretch fabric . This highperformance version will be sold to western markets once the LFC Concept is moved into production .
WHILL Model Ci
WHILL , Inc . has launched its new , ultra-portable Model Ci ( above right ). Like its older brothers , the Model A and Model M ( below right ), the Model Ci combines a sleek , fashionable design with advanced driving features such as a joystick for precise maneuverability inside and patented front omni-wheels . The Model Ci also boasts a 10 mile range from its lithium-ion battery and has a top speed of 5mph . It ’ s highly versatile with power to climb hills and conquer rugged terrains yet extremely agile indoors to maneuver through tight doorways and confined areas .
The Model Ci separates itself from its siblings with 2 key features that helped it win “ Best of Innovation Awards ” at CES 2018 .
1 . It disassembles into three components so that it can
be transported easily .
2 . It ’ s packed with the latest wireless technologies , including app-enabled driving for greater independence , multiple driving modes to match a driver ’ s riding style and comfort zone , and a digital battery charge indictor to stem range anxiety , all enabled via Bluetooth . Using mobile broadband and GPS , the Model Ci provides predictive product maintenance information as well as remote customer support .
4 uab . edu / sci
Model Ci Model Ci ( 3 parts )
Model M