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Key Points

IIT Madras has created a groundbreaking wheelchair called YD One that dramatically reduces weight and improves mobility for users. The innovative design weighs only 9 kg, representing a 50% reduction from traditional wheelchair models. Developed using a unique carbon fiber and aluminum composite, the wheelchair can be fully customized for individual needs. This invention addresses a critical need, especially considering WHO projections that disability rates will increase significantly by 2058.

Key Points: IIT Madras Unveils YD One Ultra-Light Wheelchair Innovation

  • Indigenously developed precision wheelchair with 50% weight reduction
  • Ultra-lightweight at just 9 kg design
  • Carbon fiber and aluminum composite construction
  • Fully customizable for individual user needs
2 min read

IIT Madras develops country's lightest wheelchair

Revolutionary 9kg wheelchair developed by IIT Madras offers customized mobility solution with breakthrough lightweight design

"Innovation is about a lightweight chair today - V. Kamakoti, IIT Madras Director"

Chennai, July 16

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras, on Wednesday, announced the launch of YD One -- India's lightest active wheelchair and also the country's first indigenously developed precision-built monu-tube rigid-frame wheelchair.

The YD One was launched in the IIT Madras campus on Wednesday in the presence of Chief Guest Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur, Nau Sena Medal, Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces); V. Kamakoti, IIT Madras Director; Ravinder Singh, ICMR Scientist; Project Coordinator Manish Anand, Assistant Professor, IIT Madras.

"YD One is the country's first indigenously developed precision-built mono-tube rigid-frame wheelchair, designed to match the world's best," an official statement said.

YD One can be fully customised for each user's body, posture and daily mobility needs.

Built as per international stardards, its ultra-lightweight and precision-engineered design delivers maximum strength and energy efficiency while making it effortless to lift, handle and stow in cars, autos or public transport.

The YD One is also easy to carry with a weight measuring about only nine kg.

According to V. Kamakoti, IIT Madras Director, "Innovation is about a lightweight chat today. Lightweight wheelchair that has been taken from 17 kg to 8.5 kg. We have brought in about 50 per cent weight reduction. And we also got, significantly good number of research scholars plus, multiple disciplines, interdisciplinary work that has happened across mechanical, metallurgy, etc. We have used an interesting composite of carbon fibre plus aluminum together to reduce this."

Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur, Nau Sena Medal recipient and Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces), said that the World Health Organisation recently came up with data that nearly 15 per cent of the global population suffers from some form of disability currently and this number will only increase from current 1.3 to 1.9 billion at present to about 2.5 million by 2058.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative but I hope the pricing will be affordable for common people. Many imported wheelchairs with similar features cost upwards of ₹50,000. Hope this 'Make in India' product remains accessible to all sections of society.
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Arjun K
The composite of carbon fibre plus aluminum shows brilliant engineering! This is exactly why we need to invest more in our research institutions. When will it be available in the market? My grandfather could really benefit from this.
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Sarah B
As someone who works with disability advocacy, I'm thrilled to see Indian innovation addressing accessibility challenges. The customization feature is particularly impressive - one size definitely doesn't fit all when it comes to mobility aids.
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Vikram M
While this is commendable, I hope they've considered Indian road conditions and terrain. Many areas still lack proper footpaths. The wheelchair should be tested on our pothole-ridden roads before mass production.
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Kavya N
So proud of our IITians! 👏 This is real nation-building work. The interdisciplinary approach combining mechanical and metallurgy expertise shows the power of collaboration. Hope to see more such practical innovations from our institutes.

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