The ExtraCare Charitable Trust collaborate with Centaur Robotics to trial a futuristic wheelchair
In a bid to potentially revolutionise the mobility market ExtraCare and Centaur Robotics have come together to understand how retirement community residents could help shape the benefits and use of the modern electric wheelchair the Centaur.
The Centaur, designed and engineered by Centaur Robotics, is a two-wheeled self-balancing vehicle. In January 2022, it was selected as a Pathfinder Project by the UK government-backed Design Age Institute. It is created for the modern world and has a chair which lifts the user to eye-level, putting high shelves and cupboards in reach.
ExtraCare teamed up with Centaur Robotics and The Design Age Institute to further enhance the Centaur’s sophisticated technology, and the support services that make it easier to drive the vehicle. It is hoped that principles and research enabled by The Design Age Institute will help make the Centaur attractive and ultra-safe for mobility-impaired people in communities and private homes, both across the UK and internationally.
Eric Kihlstrom, chairman of Centaur Robotics, said: “Centaur Robotics and ExtraCare share the same goal. We are both committed to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives. Staying mobile and independent as we age in place is key to that. Our collaboration with ExtraCare will allow us to analyse the types of journeys people living in retirement communities make and how slimmer, more agile personal electric vehicles like the Centaur can be used around and inside people’s homes.
“Mobility scooters are too large and are often left outside where they can obstruct corridors and fire exits. While many rely on them to get around, they have a negative image which deters potential users. The Centaur looks good and is designed to combat the stigma which accompanies so many mobility devices. We also hope our work with ExtraCare will create an affordable service option opening up access to users from all social and economic backgrounds.”
From a robotic dog providing companionship, to a camcorder doorbell, the Centaur is the latest in a number of technology-based initiatives ExtraCare are introducing to help enhance the lives of their residents.
Shirley Hall, ExtraCare’s Head of Research, Innovation and Customer Insight, comments: “We are aware of issues in our locations around use of scooters and wheelchairs and are seeking new ways to resolve them. We’ve been working with residents for several years on how to store them, and how they are being used in the communal areas. The Centaur has the potential to be another solution for us and our residents. We are excited to trial it in some of our locations, to get resident feedback, and to ensure we continue to innovate in our setting.”
Similar Stories
Upcoming Health & Wellbeing event set to welcome community
Hughenden Gardens Village will be hosting an upcoming Health & Wellbeing Event set to bring together residents, the local community, charities, and organisations for a day dedicated to health and community support.
June 13, 2024
Heart of ExtraCare Awards – 2023
With 194 nominations the 2023 Heart of ExtraCare awards have crowned eight worthy winners! The awards celebrate volunteers nominated across all 20 ExtraCare locations, shops and head office staff.
December 19, 2023