IIT Madras builds Rs 17,000 standing wheelchair, 75x cheaper than commercial models

A standing wheelchair that can cost about $200 (approximately 19,000) has been developed as a low-cost alternative to commercial models priced between $15,000 and $20,000(approximately 14-19 lakh). Designed by Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan and her team at R2D2 at IIT Madras, Arise uses a mechanical counterbalanced gas-spring system instead of batteries, electric motors and complex electronics to help wheelchair users move from sitting to standing.

The wheelchair was launched at IIT Madras Research Park on November 5, 2019, marking the first product from R2D2. Phoenix Medical Systems, a medical devices company founded and run by IIT Madras alumnus Sashi Kumar, is set to manufacture and market Arise.

Also Read: ‘Frightening times to come!’ Harsh Goenka warns next war may be fought with drone swarms, autonomous vehicles and AI, not tanks or fighter jets

How Arise helps users stand without batteries

Arise is designed around a mechanical leverage system. Instead of relying on an electric actuator or rechargeable battery, the user operates two levers positioned on the sides of the wheelchair.

The counterbalanced gas-spring mechanism uses the user’s own body weight to assist the transition from a seated position to standing. According to the information provided, the movement can be completed in less than 15 seconds with minimal effort.

The approach removes the need for electrical charging and is intended to make the chair easier to use in settings where access to power or sophisticated maintenance facilities may be limited.

Built for uneven roads and smaller spaces

The design also focuses on conditions that can make conventional powered standing wheelchairs difficult to use.

Arise was developed for unpaved rural roads as well as narrow doorways. Its construction uses standard bicycle components that can be assembled and repaired in local workshops, reducing reliance on specialised parts.

The reported cost of about $200 places it far below the $15,000 to $20,000 range cited for commercial standing wheelchairs.

Why standing matters for wheelchair users

For people with lower-limb disabilities who may rely on a wheelchair throughout their lives, remaining seated for extended periods can create physical and psychological challenges.

The background information provided with the project notes concerns including pressure points that can lead to pressure sores, reduced blood circulation, physical discomfort and greater dependence on others for everyday activities.

Standing mechanisms in wheelchairs are intended to address some of these limitations by allowing users to change position and reach a standing posture.

The project also highlights an everyday social challenge associated with remaining seated. Being at a lower eye level can affect routine interactions and make some tasks, such as reaching higher surfaces or working at counters, more difficult without assistance.

R2D2 takes a mechanical approach

Rather than adapting an expensive powered wheelchair by simply making it cheaper, the IIT Madras team approached the problem by examining whether the electronic complexity was necessary in the first place.

That led to a design based primarily on mechanical leverage, allowing the wheelchair to operate without batteries or electrical charging.

The first prototype was developed by Harshal Chaudhari as part of a Doctor of Design project in 2012. The work later developed into Arise, which became the first product launched by R2D2 in 2019.

Also Read: IIT Delhi engineer develops fridge that runs without truck engine, cuts cooling costs by 75%

Arise developed with local manufacturing in mind

The involvement of Phoenix Medical Systems gives the design a route towards commercial manufacturing and marketing. The company, founded and headed by IIT Madras alumnus Sashi Kumar, is responsible for bringing the standing wheelchair to users.

The use of commonly available bicycle parts is also intended to support maintenance through local workshops rather than requiring highly specialised service infrastructure.

The result is a standing wheelchair built around a relatively simple principle: use mechanical assistance and the user’s own weight to achieve a function that is often delivered through much more expensive powered systems.