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Product Type:
Wheelchair control via backrest
Prototype
Description:
Researchers at the Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics at ETH Zurich have developed a wheelchair with a movable backrest. This is directly connected to the front wheels and controls the entire vehicle mechanically by shifting weight - comparable to a skateboard: if the user leans to the right, the wheelchair moves to the right; if it leans to the left, it moves to the left.
Advantages and further assumptions:
Control via the backrest not only reduces the effort required, but also protects the shoulders, arms and hands.
The gentle torso movements required for steering could stimulate blood circulation and help against back pain and digestive problems. The shift in weight also relieves pressure on the buttocks and could help to prevent pressure sores.
Another advantage is that it can be driven with one hand, leaving the second hand free for transporting objects or other movements.
Disadvantage:
Turning on the spot and moving around in a small space is more difficult than with a conventional wheelchair. That is why the prototype has a lever on the side that switches the control on and off via the backrest. The wheelchair can then be steered as usual using the large drive wheels.
