Standing Tall: IIT Madras Develops India's First Indigenous Electric Standing Wheelchair

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation: a fully indigenous electric standing wheelchair designed to enhance the lives of individuals with mobility limitations.

Named "NeoStand," this wheelchair marks a significant milestone in assistive technology. Developed using local materials and expertise, NeoStand empowers users to seamlessly transition between sitting and standing positions with the simple press of a button. This innovative feature addresses a critical need for those who are unable to stand independently.

Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, officially launched NeoStand in the presence of esteemed guests. He emphasized the wheelchair's compact design and user-friendly motorized mechanism, allowing users to navigate their surroundings with greater ease and confidence.

Professor Sujatha Srinivasan, the project's lead scientist and a professor at IIT Madras, elaborated on the wheelchair's commercialization plans. NeoStand will be brought to market through Neomotion, a startup incubated by IIT Madras. The project itself received valuable support through Tata Elxsi's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund.

IIT Madras' TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) played a pivotal role in NeoStand's development and design, collaborating closely with Neomotion to ensure a successful market launch. This innovation promises to revolutionize the lives of wheelchair users in India, promoting greater independence and dignity.