New wheelchair makes patient moving better

The multifunction wheelchair.

The ‘Smartchair’ idea was originally conceived and developed by North East inventor Andrew Turner a few years ago after being approached by Sunderland businessman Alex Bastholm who required a mobility device for his step father. Finding that there was nothing suitable on the market Alex, who was the developer behind Dalton Park Retail outlet, had turned to a robotics specialist in the automotive industry who came up with the innovative concept incorporating planes of movement used in production line robotics allied with disability mobility needs.

Director Neil Herron states:

“We have already demonstrated the design and concept to Georgia Tech (Georgia Institute of Technology University Hospital) and they have indicated an early interest in the technology and they require a working prototype to proceed further with the project. In association with Georgia Tech we presented the technology to the Shepherd Group who famously helped design the wheelchair system used by Superman actor Christopher Reeve.”

“Given the interest we have had already from the States and the NHS we are confident that we will have a product ready for manufacture within 12 months.”

Inventor Andy Turner states:

“My background is in the robotic sector of the automotive industry and I am keen to see our invention taken to market and provide much needed manufacturing jobs for the North East.”

Smartchair Director and investor Matthew Thoburn said:

“It is an exciting invention and one which will be of massive benefit to the NHS and the private care home sector assisting with disability mobility. We are keen to push forward and showcase Sunderland and the North East developed and manufactured technology on the national and world stage.”

The Smartchair Directors hope to secure funding to develop a prototype to trial and test then hope to go into full production next year.

See the Smartchair in action.