IIT-Madras develops ‘NeoStand’, India’s indigenously developed electric standing wheelchair

Chennai, Mar 21 (Representative) In a path breaking initiative, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras(IIT-Madras) has developed ‘NeoStand’, India’s most customizable Electric Standing Wheelchair,which has been developed indigenously for the benefit of wheelchair users. The ‘NeoStand’ was launched at the IIT campus on Wednesday evening in the presence ofIIT-Madras Director Prof.V.Kamakoti, eminent dignitaries, generous supporters of this project,faculty, researchers and users of these rehabilitative devices.NeoStand is a compact standing wheelchair with easy-to-use navigation for its motorizedstanding mechanism. At the touch of a button, wheelchair users can effortlessly transition from sitting to standing,opening a world of possibilities–be it engaging in eye-level conversations, reaching for a bookor simply enjoying a cup of coffee standing by a counter.The project development was led by Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, Head, TTK Center for RehabilitationResearch and Device Development (R2D2), IIT Madras, who also led the development of ‘Arise,’India’s first manual standing wheelchair, and NeoBolt, the country’s first motorized add-on forwheelchairs.This device has been commercialized and is being taken to the market through NeoMotion, anIIT Madras-incubated start-up.

Addressing the launch event, Prof. Kamakoti said “these are very important translational researchworks guided by faculty of IIT Madras that have great social impact.” NeoStand redefines the wheelchair experience with its user-centric design. It promises usersthe freedom to sit for prolonged hours and stand comfortably when needed reducing the riskof secondary health complications. Its compactness ensures easy manoeuvrability throughtight spaces, enhancing accessibility. The seamless transition between sitting and standing, with an option to pause midway,underscores its innovative approach to improving users’ quality of life and social participation,he said. Highlighting the benefits of this innovation, Dr. Henry Prakash, Associate Medical Superintendent, Christian Medical College, Vellore, said, “Today as we navigate the complexities of accessibility, affordability, and societal attitudes, let us keep in mind that the advancements in this field ofassistive technology is not a technological imperative, but a moral one too.”For the majority of wheelchair users across the globe, the ability to stand is far-fetched. Standingis essential for better blood circulation, and digestion, preventing health issues like pressure soresand crucial for daily activities.

“Currently, users are often dependent on external help and some need to use orthoses. For personswith severe disabilities who have compromised upper body strength, this is a significant challenge,and a manual standing wheelchair is inadequate”, he said. The team at IIT Madras set out to tackle this challenge faced by wheelchair users – the necessityand difficulty of standing. The team was committed to providing users with yet another deviceaimed at enhancing their independence and health. The journey of NeoStand from concept to reality was supported by a collaborative ecosystem. The project was sponsored by Tata Elxsi under its corporate social responsibility initiative. The development and design were spearheaded by the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Researchand Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras and NeoMotion, which took the lead in bringingthis product to the marketplace.Mr. Sudhakar Rao, Member, Board of Directors, Tata Elxsi and Chairman of CSR committee,Tata Elxsi, said “the launch of a new product for the differently abled signifies a turning pointin our endeavour to foster inclusiveness and empowerment for individuals who face mobility challenges.”