Manish Kumar
Bhubaneswar: A group of enthusiastic innovative youths of the city has generated fresh hope for persons suffering from loco motor disability.
The youths, in their late 20s, have produced an automatic battery-operated wheelchair which gives the disabled a technology-powered wheelchair which can function without manual help from any one.
According to the group behind the innovative work, the wheelchair developed by them will be accessible to the middle classes in India. Such chairs manufactured abroad are otherwise expensive.
“The market price of such products made in China cost Rs 1 lakh and do not have enough durability. There is no service for maintenance for such products. Our products will be available for Rs 50,000 once it is launched. It is flexible and reclining. Can provide more comfort and more options,” said Samit Ranjan, one of the team members. The group recently launched a startup to make innovative products.
Samit, a B.Tech in mechanical engineering, said their products have the capability to climb on the ramps at public places up to a maximum of 12° to provide more autonomy to the physically challenged who can work on their own with little physical assistance.
“Ramps in government offices are often slope at an angle of 10°, but we have made it to adapt to 12° for better functioning. We hope with more features and affordable rates, the product will be acceptable by all persons who need it,” he added.
The wheelchair works on twin batteries of 12V each fitted on either side of the products. The joystick attached near the arm rest level helps adjust the movement. It can revolve in all directions with adjustments with joystick besides the brakes on the rear side of the wheelchair potentially fitted to stop it when the demand arises.
The producers claim that the innovative product is likely to be available by April. PNN