Production of revolutionary wheelchair set to begin

A MANUFACTURER has secured new funding to help it begin production of its robotic wheelchairs.

Solihull-based Centaur Robotics has developed a self-balancing electric wheelchair that the company hopes will boost users’ mobility in and around the home.

Called the Centaur, it self-balances on two wheels and has been designed by automotive engineers under the direction of Paul Campbell, a former designer at Ford.

The wheelchair can fit through standard door frames and the seat can be elevated to the height of a bar stool.

The business has now secured £500,000 from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) and additional undisclosed capital from angel investors and crowdfunding platform Seedrs.

This will be used to enable the firm to finish development of the wheelchair and begin production.

Centaur Robotics’ chief executive Eric Kihlstrom said:

“We believe in challenging the status quo to redefine mobility for wheelchair users.

“This investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund marks a pivotal moment in our journey, enabling us to improve accessibility around the home.

“We are not just building a chair, we are crafting a future where mobility solutions enhance independence and contribute to a more inclusive society.”

Tony Stott, investment director at Birmingham-based Midven, which manages part of the MEIF, added: “Centaur Robotics is at the forefront of revolutionising mobility solutions for wheelchair users.

“This investment marks a significant milestone in their journey, allowing them to bring their innovative self-balancing electric wheelchair to production.”