IIT Madras Creates NeoStand, Enhancing Mobility with Electric Standing Wheelchair

In a significant advancement for the physically challenged, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has unveiled an innovative solution named NeoStand, an electric standing wheelchair. This product, priced at Rs 89,990, is designed to empower individuals who are wheelchair-bound, enabling them to stand and engage in various activities which were challenging before. The development of NeoStand was spearheaded by Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan and her team at the TTK Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras.

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The electric standing wheelchair is not just a mobility device but a step towards enhancing the quality of life for its users. It allows them to perform tasks such as fetching a book from a shelf or enjoying a cup of coffee standing at a counter, thereby facilitating eye contact during conversations. This innovation has already secured several patents, with three to four research scholars contributing to the project.

At the launch event, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti expressed his enthusiasm about the product's potential to offer newfound freedom to those bound to traditional wheelchairs. He highlighted the importance of developing cost-effective solutions like NeoStand domestically, citing high import costs for similar products.

One of the beneficiaries, Ramya, shared her personal experience at the event, emphasizing how the electric standing wheelchair would enable her to assist her mother in cooking and stand during the National Anthem at functions—moments that were previously impossible for her.

NeoMotion Assistive Solutions Pvt Ltd, an IIT Madras-incubated start-up and co-developer of NeoStand, aims to redefine wheelchair use with this user-centric design. According to Co-Founder Swostik Dash, the wheelchair not only promises enhanced mobility and accessibility but also reduces the risk of secondary health complications due to prolonged sitting.

The project received financial backing from Tata Elxi under its corporate social responsibility initiative. Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, also a faculty member at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras, emphasized the health, functional, and psychological benefits that integrating a standing function into a wheelchair can provide. With just the use of a switch, users can transition from sitting to standing, offering them an unprecedented level of independence and well-being.

This development is part of IIT Madras's ongoing efforts to create innovative solutions for societal challenges. Previously, IIT-M scientists had undertaken a robotic operation project aimed at cleaning septic tanks in residential areas to eliminate the need for manual scavenging.

NeoStand stands as a testament to the institute's commitment to leveraging technology for social good, offering a glimpse into a future where technology and empathy converge to create more inclusive solutions for those with physical challenges.