Did IIT Madras Create India’s Lightest Wheelchair?
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Synopsis
IIT Madras has launched the YD One, the nation's lightest active wheelchair, showcasing innovative engineering that prioritizes user comfort and mobility. This breakthrough design, weighing just nine kg, promises to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Discover how this remarkable achievement could set new standards in the wheelchair industry and support a growing demographic.
Key Takeaways
- YD One is India's lightest active wheelchair.
- It weighs only nine kg, making it highly portable.
- The design is fully customizable for user needs.
- Developed by IIT Madras as a breakthrough in assistive technology.
- It emphasizes the importance of innovation in improving lives.
Chennai, July 16 (NationPress) The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras has unveiled the YD One – the lightest active wheelchair in India and the nation's first indigenously crafted precision-engineered mono-tube rigid-frame wheelchair.
The launch took place on the IIT Madras campus on Wednesday, with notable attendees including Chief Guest Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur, Nau Sena Medal, Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces); V. Kamakoti, IIT Madras Director; ICMR Scientist Ravinder Singh; and Project Coordinator Manish Anand, Assistant Professor at IIT Madras.
“YD One is the first of its kind, designed to meet international standards and provide maximum strength and energy efficiency,” said an official statement.
This wheelchair can be entirely tailored to fit the user's body, posture, and daily mobility requirements.
Weighing in at just nine kg, the YD One is remarkably lightweight, making it easy to lift, transport, and store in vehicles or public transport.
According to V. Kamakoti, IIT Madras Director, “Innovation is key; we’ve reduced the weight from 17 kg to 8.5 kg, achieving a remarkable 50% reduction. This involved interdisciplinary collaboration among research scholars in mechanical and metallurgy fields, utilizing a unique composite of carbon fiber and aluminum.”
Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur highlighted a concerning statistic from the World Health Organization, noting that approximately 15% of the global population currently experiences some form of disability, a number projected to rise from 1.3 to 2.5 billion by 2058.
Point of View
Combining research and practical application to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. As the global population grows, the importance of such advancements cannot be overstated, and they align well with national goals for inclusivity and accessibility.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the YD One wheelchair?
The YD One is India's lightest active wheelchair, designed and developed by IIT Madras, featuring a mono-tube rigid-frame structure for enhanced mobility.
How much does the YD One weigh?
The YD One weighs approximately nine kg, making it easy to lift and transport.
Is the YD One customizable?
Yes, the YD One can be fully customized to meet the individual needs of each user, including body shape and mobility requirements.
What materials are used in the YD One?
The YD One is constructed using a composite of carbon fiber and aluminum, resulting in a lightweight yet strong design.
Why is the YD One significant?
The YD One represents a significant innovation in wheelchair design, aiming to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities and support a growing population in need.
