TEAM The X-1: Wheelchair Mobility

Background.
When you are walking on a rainy day, don’t you think it is a very easy task to just hold on to an umbrella and prevent yourself from getting drenched? But to the handicapped, holding an umbrella while maneuvering, it would be tough and tiring!  In addition, the elderly are often vulnerable to robbers and dangers on the road.

Modifying the Current Design of the Electric Wheelchair.
The new X-1 is adopting the best elements of a golf buggy, it would be sheltered completely, both side of the wheelchair .It has a very simple mechanism , just press a button or voice command , the back cover would retract up and you will not get wet!

Firstly, the wheel chair body is made of stainless steel due to hardness in strength and resistance to corrosion.

Secondly, we would be designing a water seat cushion (WSC) to allow maximum comfort to the user. The main motivation of using WSC instead of leather seats is because artificial leather would crack if it is not properly taken care of.

With consideration of the low income group, small fans could also be installed in the budget version instead of air conditioned sets to save cost.

In addition, there would be car battery packs installed in the car coupled with solar panels on top of the wheelchair to power and charge the cells. The dimension of the car would allow them to enter shopping malls and lifts.

Lastly, there would be also be headlamps and rear lights being installed at the side of the wheelchair which is required for additional visibility and safety.

Target Audience
Given that Singapore has a low birth rate of 1.23 (2009) and one of the highest per capita income, we would be targeting the elderly which is projected to increase substantially. Elder friendly facilities in public transport systems are not adequate, citing a need for our product for those who want better mobility.  This effectively creates a niche in the market.

Integrating the Concept of Future Mobility.
It has the inbuilt visual and voice recognition, specially designed for the visually and speech handicapped, thus overcoming the barriers that the current generation of technology of phones or vehicles which is not prevalent today and the user would be able to communicate with the X-1.

E.g. There would be a LCD screen installed and the user would be able to call a person using voice or hand signals. The system would recognize the command and call the person using a computerized voice.

The user has the ability to control the unit across roads using advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) and smart people detection system for safely reasons around crowded areas. 

Through communication via home base at home, the unit is can be closely monitored by the guardian or family member which is at home.

Conclusion
We sincerely believe that with this innovation, it could create and redefine the future concept of mobility in the handicapped market where many have overseen the area which we trust have great potential in the Singapore market given that elderly population is expected to increase.