Good Thinking

Kim-e electric wheelchair gets users standing and rolling

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The Kim-e raises users to a semi-standing position, both when moving and standing stationary
Chronus Robotics
The Kim-e is claimed to be more compact than a traditional manual wheelchair (left) when folded
Chronus Robotics
The Kim-e can roll at up to 20 km/h (12 mph)
Chronus Robotics
The Kim-e raises users to a semi-standing position, both when moving and standing stationary
Chronus Robotics
The Kim-e can be folded down and transported in a car when not in use
Chronus Robotics
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For many wheelchair users, one of the biggest problems with using a chair is not being able to stand as tall as other people. The Kim-e wheelchair was designed with that fact in mind, as it raises its user into an upright stance in just a few seconds.

Manufactured by Lithuanian company Chronus Robotics, the two-wheeled self-balancing Kim-e was first announced four years ago, and can now be booked for test rides by prospective buyers. We're still waiting to hear back regarding pricing and availability.

Users are able to utilize the wheelchair in a traditional seated position, when they wish to sit at a table or desk. When they want to stand, a powered scissor-lift-type mechanism raises the seat while also slanting it, bringing the user up to (sort of) stand eye-level with non-wheelchair-users. Thigh straps ensure that they won't slide out of the chair while doing so.

The Kim-e can roll at up to 20 km/h (12 mph)
Chronus Robotics

Both the seat-raising mechanism and the powered wheels are controlled via upper body movements, leaving the user's hands free at all times.

The Kim-e has a top speed of 20 km/h (12 mph), and can reportedly travel up to 30 km (19 miles) per four-hour charge of its lithium battery. It can also roll over obstacles up to 5 cm (2 inches) tall when using its standard tires, or 7 cm (2.8 in) when clad in off-road tires, plus it can climb slopes of up to 20 degrees. An integrated air shock absorber helps maintain a relatively smooth ride.

The Kim-e can be folded down and transported in a car when not in use
Chronus Robotics

The whole thing is claimed to tip the scales at 38 kg (84 lb) and can accommodate users weighing between 40 and 90 kg (88 and 198 lb).

You can see the Kim-e in action, in the video below. Potential buyers might also want to check out the AbleChair and (if they're able to move their legs a bit) the Zeen.

Source: Chronus Robotics

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8 comments
guzmanchinky
That is amazing science, I'm going to send this to a wheelchair bound friend who would love this...
martinwinlow
Glad to see someone has stolen my idea but completely baffled why this has taken so long to arrive given the Segway (and my idea) has been around for 23 years!
freddotu
I've been using an Airwheel S8 for my mobility purposes for a number of years. Fifteen kilograms / thirty-two pounds and far less complex. Granted, this presented device offers far more utility than the no-longer-produced S8, but at a much higher cost and astonishing weight increase.

It's certainly a useful evolution from the S8.
Daishi
Dean Kamen initially made the iBot wheelchair that was a similar concept to this before deciding the tech could be applied to the smaller Segway. This feels like a sort of middle ground between iBot and Segway. I am not sure how safe/practical it is but I don't hate the concept. I have seen enough hoverboard crashes that I worry about someone with their feet strapped down to it.
Brian M
Great idea and nt too expensive in engineering terms
But can still go further (and will) when you think of what robotics can do in terms of bi pedal leg robots and AI

PAV
How do you get past curbs?
sk8dad
How does a wheelchair-bound individual get this thing into/out of a car?
MCG
Looks like a nice way for anyone to get around the mall to me, when you are in the mood to "drive". Would be cool to have some small speakers at the head rest pumping out directional music. I'd also like to see a built in massager, of course it would shorten the range, but great especially for those with poor circulation.