Today the wheelchair is one of the most, if not the most, commonly used assistive device for the personal mobility of people with disabilities. I suspect that, throughout history, wheelchairs have often been seen as a source of frustration, and a necessary evil; something that no one actually wanted to use. What matters though is that we consider a wheelchair just like any object we design - within the context of it’s use. We can’t judge the product design in isolation from it’s functional use in the environment and the ambitions of the user. We look at how robotics has allowed a rethink of products for standing and moving.

The Tek RMD combines the ability to stand with the ability to move in a unique way that is suitable for many people who have lower limb paralysis or weakness. In this article we will look at some essential facts about this “robotic mobility device”.

When you have lower limb limb paralysis or weakness it is understandable to feel nervous when a product aims to stand you up. Understanding how the Tek RMD supports the user in standing or whilst moving up and down despite paralysis can act as reassurance and eliminate anxiety.

The Tek RMD from Matia Mobility was designed as an indoor product that allowed users with weak or paralysed legs to stand and move. This in itself has been a great boon for clients who wished to have greater independence for their day to day activities. Some clients discovered that the Tek RMD would work just fine on the outside deck or paving but the arrival of the Outdoor Kit accessory greatly extends this ability.

The video below shows that Tek RMD fitted with outdoor wheels being tried out on grass

Along with the electric lifter version, there are now two major accessories for the Tek RMD. These are the Transfer Seat and the Outdoor Wheels Kit. In this article we review the Transfer Seat.
Transferring to the Tek RMD meant that the user needed to get on the product from the back. This was not always possible with some wheelchair designs. The Transfer Seat allows a user to approach the Tek RMD more from the side - sometimes hopping across or sometimes with the aid of a transfer board.

The Tek RMD is a unique product to help persons with leg paralysis or difficulty to stand and move. Some clients have found this really life-changing but of course not everyone will be able to use this product. In this article we are looking at the Tek RMD from Matia Mobility - what it is, who it is for and some aspects of living with the product.