The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, in collaboration with Phoenix Medical Systems, launched an indigenously-designed standing wheelchair. This device helps wheelchair-bound people to move from a sitting position to standing, and vice-versa, on their own.

Called Arise, the wheelchair was designed and developed by the TTK Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development, headed by Sujatha Srinivasan, a professor in the department of mechanical engineering, IIT Madras.

Expressing her appreciation for the work of testing partners, including CMC Vellore, The Spinal Foundation and the Spastics Society of Tamil Nadu. Srinivasan said, “Being seated for long hours, users of conventional wheelchairs face secondary health problems such as poor blood circulation and pressure sores. These may be minimised by using our standing wheelchair.”