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

Chennai: 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 of
IIT-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 motorized
standing 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 book or simply enjoying a cup of coffee standing by a counter.

Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, Head of TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), IIT Madras, led the project development. She also developed ‘Arise,’ India’s first manual standing wheelchair, and NeoBolt, the country’s first motorized add-on for wheelchairs.

This device has been commercialized and is being taken to the market through NeoMotion, an IIT Madras-incubated start-up.

Addressing the launch event, Prof.Kamakoti said “these are very important translational research works guided by faculty of IIT Madras that have great social impact.”

NeoStand redefines the wheelchair experience with its user-centric design. It promises users the freedom to sit for prolonged hours and stand comfortably when needed reducing the risk of secondary health complications. Its compactness ensures easy manoeuvrability through tight 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 of assistive 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. Standing is essential for better blood circulation, and digestion, preventing health issues like pressure sores and crucial for daily activities.

“Currently, users are often dependent on external help and some need to use orthoses. For persons with 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 necessity and difficulty of standing. The team was committed to providing users with yet another device aimed 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 Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras and NeoMotion, which took the lead in bringing this 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 point in our endeavour to foster inclusiveness and empowerment for individuals who face mobility challenges.”