Page 20 - Mainstreamer e-Magazine Volume 1, Issue 3 - August 2023
P. 20

IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE


          critical components like the aluminium beam         Recognitions and Awards: Celebrating Impactful
          and motorised wheel, the development team           Innovation
          successfully reduced the wheelchair’s weight           The exceptional impact of the Plug & Go
          without compromising its structural integrity.      Wheelchair has garnered widespread recognition
          This weight reduction significantly enhances user   and accolades within the field of assistive
          comfort and ease of use, enabling individuals to    technology. In 2019, it was awarded a silver
          navigate their surroundings with minimal effort.    medal in medical engineering, highlighting its
            Moreover, the Plug & Go Wheelchair                contribution to enhancing the wellbeing of
          compatibility with existing wheelchairs offers      disabled individuals. Furthermore, the innovation
          a cost-effective solution for those already         received a special award at the 40th International
          possessing mobility aids. Users can seamlessly      Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland,
          install the innovation onto their wheelchairs,      solidifying its global acclaim.
          eliminating the need for a complete replacement.       The Plug & Go Wheelchair’s remarkable success
          This compatibility underscores the commitment       continued as it secured the second prize at the
          to inclusivity and ensures that individuals with    Thailand Friendly Design Expo 2019, held at the
          varying needs can experience the benefits of this   IMPACT Exhibition Hall in Muang Thong Thani,
          cutting-edge technology.                            Nonthaburi. These prestigious accolades signify
            Additionally, the wheelchair’s foldable design    the revolutionary impact of this innovation and
          facilitates convenient storage in cars or taxis,    reinforce its position as a game-changer in the field
          allowing users to travel without limitations. In    of mobility solutions for disabled individuals and
          just five minutes, the Plug & Go Wheelchair can     senior citizens.
          be effortlessly folded and stored, promoting
          independence and allowing individuals to embark     Users Feedback: Pros and Cons
          on spontaneous outings.
                                                                 Mr Kittisak Issara, a proud user of this
                                                              revolutionary device, couldn’t be more
                                                              enthusiastic about its impact. With its user-friendly
                                                              design, installing and uninstalling the wheelchair
                                                              takes seconds, offering unparalleled convenience
                                                              like never before. But convenience is just the
                                                              beginning; the seamless movement, effortlessly
                                                              powered by minimal force, provides a level of
                                                              comfort that’s nothing short of remarkable. Daily
                                                              life becomes a breeze as the Plug & Go Wheelchair
                                                              grants greater freedom of travel, ultimately
                                                              elevating its users’ overall quality of life. With an
                                                              impressive battery capacity, covering up to 18
                                                              kilometres on a single charge (equivalent to 3-4
                                                              hours of continuous usage), a world of possibilities
                                                              opens up for those seeking enhanced mobility.
                                                              While Mr Issara celebrates the innovation, he
                                                              candidly shares some areas for improvement. The
                                                              device, though foldable, is still a bit bulky, requiring
                                                              a bit of storage space. Lightening the weight would
                                                              undoubtedly be the icing on the cake, making it
                                                              even more user-friendly.
             With Plug & Go Wheelchair, it surely can help the
             disabled individuals abd senior ciizen to move      Enter Mr Mat Kahari Abdullah, another
             independently. (Image source Photo by Marcus Aurelius:   delighted user of the Plug & Go Wheelchair,
             https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-sitting-on-  singing praises about its outstanding performance.
             wheelchair-4064229/)



          19             Vol. 01, Issue 3 | August 2023
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