Electric Wheelchair Future Technology

America’s Dynamic Controls unveiled its latest technology at world’s top trade fair for those with special needs and requiring care – REHACARE in Germany. Company integrated an iPhone into its power wheelchair electronics. Apple’s iPhone can now be considered accessiblity product, enabling powered wheelchair users to use them as normal while also gaining access to detailed information and control system access of their chair using the device. iPhone or iPod touch (iPhone 3G, 3GS, iPod touch V2.0 and 3.0) can be connected to the wheelchair system, and as result can display chair information in real time. This includes speed in kph or mph, compass heading and detailed wheel chair diagnostics (that interprets problems with the wheel chair).

iPhone can be fitted to any new or existing Dynamic Controls DX2, DX or Shark electric wheel chair.  A cradle is available to mount the iPhone or iPod touch onto the wheelchair, connecting it with control systems. This requires no reprogramming of the wheelchair, and can be done at home. While connected, iPhone is charged from the chair’s battery.

Upcoming versions of Dynamic Control’s software might even allow further control of the wheel chair thru iPhone interface – something similar as MIT showed with WiFi… First response from user base is positive, as the idea to be able to buy an off the shelf product that has so many features for powered wheelchair users is appealing.