Centaur Robotics is working with the Design Age Institute to optimise the control system of its ground-breaking self-balancing chair for older users. The research will lead to better and more intuitive controls of the Centaur, which is currently operated by a joystick at the end of one of the armrests. The institute’s Pathfinder Innovation Programme award will help develop the ‘human machine interface’ of the Centaur, taking into account the cognitive and physical needs of older adults.
Eric Kihlstrom, Chairman of Centaur Robotics, said: “Mobility is a major barrier to older people staying engaged in the community. By overcoming mobility problems, the Centaur helps people stay connected and engaged in their communities. It’s a simple but beautiful solution to a problem which affects millions of people in the UK.”
This is the second award for Centaur Robotics from the Design Age Institute. The award will help develop the Centaur so that older users can age-in-place for longer.
The Mobility Pathfinder Innovation Programme is supported by the UK Research and Innovation Programme Healthy Ageing Challenge. It is delivered by Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council and invited applicants from across the UK to apply for up to £70k in funding for personal mobility solutions that can be supported towards market by investment in good design.
