The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched "YD One," a groundbreaking wheelchair weighing just 9 kilograms. This innovation is poised to revolutionize everyday mobility for people with disabilities, offering a new benchmark for lightweight, ergonomic, and customized assistive devices in the country.
YD One distinguishes itself as the nation’s lightest active wheelchair, crafted from aerospace-grade materials, including a unique composite of carbon fiber and aluminum. This results in a wheelchair that is as strong as it is light, boasting a 50% weight reduction compared to conventional models that often weigh over 17 kilograms.
The precision-engineered, mono-tube rigid-frame structure not only provides strength and durability but also enhances maneuverability and handling. YD One meets stringent international standards, ensuring safety, durability, and quality in every aspect of its design and manufacture.
Co-developed by IIT Madras’ TTK Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) and Thryv Mobility, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, YD One is entirely custom-built. Each chair is tailored to the user’s body structure, posture, and everyday mobility needs—setting a new standard for personalized comfort and fit. The engineering ensures users expend less effort while maneuvering the chair, resulting in enhanced independence for daily activities.
At a launch event attended by national dignitaries and scientists, IIT Madras’ Director Prof. V. Kamakoti highlighted the wheelchair’s potential to boost inclusion and empower people with disabilities. The project, supported by Trimble’s CSR initiative, will see the first twenty wheelchairs donated to deserving users.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur, Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces), underscored the product’s significance in redefining independence not just for individuals but for communities across India. With production handled by Thryv Mobility, YD One is set to reach users nationwide, with plans for future support from additional partners.