Reimagining the Wheelchair

Photograph by TEK @ tekrmd.com

Tek RMD provides the opportunity of movement for people with paraplegia by enabling them to independently stand up in a completely upright position with correct posture, facilitating their movement and comfortable completion of their daily tasks indoors, such as in the home, office and shopping mall. Tek RMD is not an alternative to wheelchairs, it is a totally new concept and platform.

See below for a gallery of photos, product video demonstrations and information on this fascinating design. For additional information be sure to visit tekrmd.com

Photograph by TEK @ tekrmd.com

Mounting from the Back

One of the main problems of any wheelchair is that, it can only be front-mounted. This is a problem because wherever a person is sitting, like a couch, bed, toilet seat or a chair, his front side is always free and his body is always resting on his back. For this reason paraplegic people have to lift their body with their arms and throw themselves onto their wheelchairs in order to transfer their body from a bed or a chair. This motion of throwing the body is difficult, dangerous, and almost impossible to do without assistance, especially for older and/or overweight people. On the other hand Tek Robotic Mobilization Device can be pulled easily by the user and the user can mount onto the device securely from its back. Mounting and dismounting the device can be done successfully in a much safer way since the user is doing so while in a seated position. [Source]

Photograph by TEK @ tekrmd.com

Standing Up and Health

As a mandatory daily exercise, paraplegic people must stay in a standing position for approximately one hour everyday. This exercise is of vital importance for preserving the body’s health. Existing devices for standing up are either very slow or require too much effort. In contrast, it is very easy and quick to stand up and sit down with Tek Robotic Mobilization Device. The suspension system containing gas springs, balances the weight of the user so that standing up requires just a gentle pull. From the moment they wake up, users can mount the device and stand up without needing assistance from others. This comfort encourages the users to stand up countless times, and to do various daily activities while standing up. [Source]

Photograph by TEK @ tekrmd.com

Correct Standing Position

Standing wheelchair-like devices that can move while standing up, usually cannot lift their users to a fully upright position. HKAFO (long leg braces) like walking aids can only be used with canes or walkers. To maintain his/her balance while using these devices the user must manually hold these canes or walkers. In contrast, Tek Robotic Mobilization Device holds the user in an upright position while leaving his hands free. This position makes it possible for the user to reach everywhere with free hands and perform many daily tasks such as cooking, washing dishes, ironing, etc. comfortably in environments that are typically not set up for people with physical handicaps. Movements that require both hands, such as carrying a tray can be easily done with the use of the remote control. Additionally the user can enjoy being at eye level with other people in his/her daily life. [Source]

Photograph by TEK @ tekrmd.com

Dimensions

Presently Tek Robotic Mobilization Device is the world’s smallest motorized standing movement device. It is only 36 cm wide and 62 cm long. With these dimensions it covers only one third of the space of a small wheelchair. This way users can pass through many narrow spaces which they cannot pass through with a wheelchair of an average width of 60 cm. They can also reach places in their home and offices, which is not possible with any other device. Despite its narrow dimensions, Tek Robotic Mobilization Device is an exceptionally well-balanced device. It grabs the users from the balance points and prevents any misuse or unwanted movements that would result in a loss of balance. Correct standing position and balance are preserved by Tek Robotic Mobilization Device at all times. [Source]

Photograph by TEK @ tekrmd.com

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications:
General Body Material: Steel, plate iron and stainless steel
Actuator: 2 x 24V – 100W DC motors
Power: 2 x 22Ah 12V gel batteries
Charge: 5 Amp (external) battery charger
Max Speed: 3,2 km/h
Max Range: 14,4 km
Max Grade of Climb: % 5
Max Obstacle Height: 3 cm
Weight Empty: 80 kg
Max Load Capacity: 90 kg
Total Width: 36 cm
Total Length: 62 cm

[Source]