The ExtraCare Charitable Trust collaborate with Centaur Robotics to trial a futuristic wheelchair

In a bid to potentially revolutionise the mobility market ExtraCare and Centaur Robotics have come together to understand how retirement community residents could help shape the benefits and use of the modern electric wheelchair the Centaur.

The Centaur, designed and engineered by Centaur Robotics, is a two-wheeled self-balancing vehicle. In January 2022, it was selected as a Pathfinder Project by the UK government-backed Design Age Institute. It is created for the modern world and has a chair which lifts the user to eye-level, putting high shelves and cupboards in reach.

ExtraCare teamed up with Centaur Robotics and The Design Age Institute to further enhance the Centaur’s sophisticated technology, and the support services that make it easier to drive the vehicle. It is hoped that principles and research enabled by The Design Age Institute will help make the Centaur attractive and ultra-safe for mobility-impaired people in communities and private homes, both across the UK and internationally.

Eric Kihlstrom, chairman of Centaur Robotics, said: “Centaur Robotics and ExtraCare share the same goal. We are both committed to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives. Staying mobile and independent as we age in place is key to that. Our collaboration with ExtraCare will allow us to analyse the types of journeys people living in retirement communities make and how slimmer, more agile personal electric vehicles like the Centaur can be used around and inside people’s homes.

“Mobility scooters are too large and are often left outside where they can obstruct corridors and fire exits. While many rely on them to get around, they have a negative image which deters potential users. The Centaur looks good and is designed to combat the stigma which accompanies so many mobility devices. We also hope our work with ExtraCare will create an affordable service option opening up access to users from all social and economic backgrounds.”

From a robotic dog providing companionship, to a camcorder doorbell, the Centaur is the latest in a number of technology-based initiatives ExtraCare are introducing to help enhance the lives of their residents.