Pushin' On: UAB Spinal Cord Injury Model System Digital Newsletter Volume 37 | Number 1 | Page 4

TECHNOLOGY WATCH
Wheelchair-Accessible Autonomous Shuttle Vehicle
Sure, Lyft and Uber have been commonplace in much
of the world for a few years, but it was only recently
that Lift enabled an “Access Mode” and Uber WAV
(Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) became available in
some select cities. Hopefully, the WAVe will spread.
Those companies and others are also focusing on self-
driving technologies. In fact, some are even starting to
think forward about populations who can benefit greatly
from the self-driving technology. Lyft, for example, is
working with its autonomous technology partner Aptiv
and the National Federation of the Blind on designing
self-driving service that works for blind and low-vision
passengers. This is great, but what about wheelchair
accessibility?
That is where May Mobility is headed. The company
already operates a non-accessible, commercial service
of self-driving vehicle (with an on-board attendant to take
over if needed) in very select areas. The hope is to be the
first to launch a fully driverless autonomous service soon.
Now May Mobility is taking action to actually address
the practical realities of true accessibility. May Mobility is
working directly with community members to develop the
vehicle from the chassis up with a focus on accessible
design and safety. This includes a design for wheelchair
ramp for entry and exit along with a plan for pick-up and
drop-off points. The focus on safety includes a plan to
secure the wheelchair for the course of the trip. The goal
is to soon pilot test the accessible May Mobility shuttles
in operation in Columbus, Ohio, Providence, Road Island,
and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Other cities will follow.
May Mobility pictured below
Gyroscopic Wheelchairs
If nothing else, the legacy of the iBOT, developed in
1990s, will always remain as the father of gyroscopic
wheelchairs. The technology was far ahead of its time.
Here are two examples in the tech in action today.
The Gyrolift is the first gyroscopic wheelchair that
allows the user to move in both sitting and standing
positions. It is a combination of a Segway (also developed
from the iBOT) and a robotic system of stabilized modular
seating. It offers the user an automatic stabilization, an
innovative system of security and an intuitive control to
increase his comfort during his displacements. Gyrolift
allows you to move both sitting and standing on a
compact, handy and totally secure solution. It proposes
mobility
that meets
physiological,
psychological
and autonomy
needs, thus
allowing
maintenance
and
reintegration
into
employment.
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uab.edu/sci
The Omeo is a powerful two-wheeled self-balancing
platform. You can operate the Omeo using a joystick
or go completely hands-free. In hands-free mode, you
control the direction by shifting your weight. It is easiest
to start by holding onto the handgrips until you get used
to how your body can move the machine.
The Omeo comes in a standard set up that fits through
standard doorways and will take you most places. When
you are ready to explore nature, you can change from
the standard setup to the off-road kit. You can go almost
anywhere over uneven terrain, scale inclines and navigate
troughs, while
always remaining
level in your
seat – giving
you access to
places such
as beaches,
forests, tracks
and pathways
that would be
impossible for
most other
personal mobility
devices.