Autoseat Project

Mobility devices are a necessity for disabled persons as they facilitate their participation in
society. Disability represents 254 million persons in the developed world (1.27 billion
globally) [WHO] an economy worth $8 trillion annually [Global Economics of Disability,
2013]. Autochairs research highlights that 92.1 million adults in the developed world are
mobility impaired and includes persons suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (2.5 million people)
and Stroke (5 million people) [healthline]. Disability projected to increase with aging (over
60) population which is expected to double to nearly 11% by 2050 [United Nations, 2013].
An electrically actuated seat which rotates out 90 degrees from within the vehicle (and be
lowered and raised) is one such mobility aid which can be retro-fitted into standard cars
through professional vehicle adaption. The arrangement helps disabled persons exit and enter
the vehicle by reducing the strain on their back, hips or knees. The setback with current art is:
(1) cost of purchase and installation is expensive; (2) original seat is removed; (3) prohibited
to very few dimensionally suitable vehicles; (4) reduced leg and head room; and critically (5)
airbags are required to be removed (due to altered seating position) compromising safety.
Another key driver for the proposed development is that the number of vehicles current
seating systems can be installed in is reducing significantly. This has occurred as a result of
lower profiled vehicles with higher internal safety features and reduced entry aperture size, all
of which renders a reduction in cabin space.
Autochair wishes to conduct a Development project to engineer and test an electrically
actuated mobility seat which can minimise or eliminate some of the major setbacks with
current art.