Weekly Topics - Week 14: Accessibility and Assistive Technology

 

source: https://www.scewo.com/en/product/#

This week’s topic is about accessibility and assistive technology. I’m writing about a real-life case of the principle "if a person has control over any function, it can also be used to control the computer". The example I chose is the smart wheelchair than can climb stairs.

The case started with a man from Switzerland, Jose Di Felice. He had a major motorcycle accident in 2016 that resulted in a disability to move both legs and one arm. He found out during his new life on a wheelchair, that stairs are his biggest challenge in his day-to-day life. So, he started to look for a solution [1]. In his research he found the small startup Scewo from Switzerland. The startup has built a wheelchair that can be controlled through a smartphone. It can tackle a range of terrains and has special rubber tracks for climbing stairs. Di Felice asked for a test drive and climbed up successfully the stairs of the local town hall. The wheelchair can climb stairs up to 36°gradient. The CEO of Scewo, Bernhard Winter, said “We cannot wait on having all these ramps built. This is why we developed this product, so it gives you back mobility and freedom." [2]

On the website of Scewo it is further explained:

“You can activate the stair-climbing mode at the push of a button. BRO climbs up or down the steps on your command. With the help of sensors, it constantly measures its surroundings. All you have to do is move the joystick in the desired direction and enjoy the ride. Thanks to the optional rear-view camera you can also keep an eye on what is happening behind your back. For an even more relaxed ride, BRO continuously adjusts the seat height while climbing stairs so that you are always sitting upright. “ [3]

This invention sounds very promising. However, as of right now, only customers of Germany, Switzerland and Austria can buy this wheelchair since the company only has partners there. Another disappointing factor is that the price seems to be very high. They don’t display it on their website at all. In the FAQ section they answer the question how much the wheelchair costs with a vague “The costs of BRO are comparable to the purchase of a high-quality power wheelchair and an additional stair-climbing aid. The price varies depending on the chosen features.” [4]. Still, the idea is great, and it gives hope for further inventions for people with disabilities.

 

[1] https://www.rswebsols.com/tutorials/technology/recent-mobility-solutions-disabled-elderly-people

[2] https://www.vodafone.com/business/news-and-insights/blog/gigabit-thinking/the-tech-empowering-less-able-people-in-cities

[3] https://www.scewo.com/en/product/#

[4] https://www.scewo.com/en/goodtoknow/#financing

 

 

 

 

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