<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-07-08T08:44:08Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/A6246C52-9194-48C9-BBDC-64D60E76044D" ns1:id="A6246C52-9194-48C9-BBDC-64D60E76044D"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/E61F24EE-3978-4E00-82D7-D0A77C15C4C0" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/A4B9A5EB-91BE-4CE8-AB10-3E67BD6ED989" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/A4B9A5EB-91BE-4CE8-AB10-3E67BD6ED989" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2024-03-31T00:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/197EACE4-7C91-4F51-B6E2-33D5710FBC63" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2023-03-31T23:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10047839</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>An innovative AI/IoT-driven platform that provides effective postural management and pressure injury prevention for wheelchair users.</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Collaborative R&amp;D</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>Aergo is a UK-based MedTech SME with a core project team of Sheana Yu (CEO and Project Manager), Elliott Baxter (CTO and Mechanical/ML Engineer), George Waller (Electronics/IoT Engineer), Myriam Irizar Ocina (Design Engineer) and Dr Claire Meagher (Physiotherapist).

Staff shortages and accumulated NHS backlogs are causing delays for wheelchair users that require an in-person assessment from an occupational/physical therapist to access specialist equipment like postural support. Around 840K wheelchair users are waiting over three months, and around 180K are waiting over 12 months. Inadequate equipment is compromising the independence and quality of life of millions of wheelchair users. It also results in rapid deterioration of disease and a 40% increased risk of developing pressure injuries, which alone accounts for &amp;pound;3.8M/day in NHS treatment costs.

Aergo is developing an AI/IoT-driven postural support (PS) platform that provides effective postural management and pressure injury prevention for wheelchair users. Unlike existing static systems, Aergo's PS platform adapts to diurnal changes in user posture and does not rely on frequent manual equipment maintenance. Unlike existing pressure care devices, Aergo detects and automatically responds to poor spinal alignment and high-pressure build-up. It also offers digital support and remote assistance from clinicians who can use the platform to remotely adjust inflation settings to optimise pressure distribution and postural control. Aergo will improve user independence by 75%, reduce manhandling and enhance seated comfort by 50%.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>