Wheelchair users have many reasons for giving up on going where they want beyond simply being unable to walk. The mobility development team looks for solutions to these other reasons like lack of accessible toilets and not wanting to impose on others.
“Something I’d dreamed about really happened, and I thought it was amazing.”
In September 2023, the International Home Care and Rehabilitation Exhibition was held at Tokyo Big Sight. As approximately 380 companies and groups exhibited the newest devices on the theme of social welfare, a woman in a wheelchair made this remark with shining eyes as she watched a demonstration of JUU, a wheelchair-type mobility vehicle under development at the Toyota Booth.
With the support of a flipper that automatically extends from the rear of the device, the wheelchair can go up and down stairs and along bumpy roads. Excitedly, she explained, “(When there are stairs) Wheelchairs have to go the long way around.” “I’ve always wished I could scale stairs, so this is like a dream.”
There were other examples of mobility expanding movement options. A compact mobile toilet that is small enough to be towed without a towing license was developed to solve the issue of wheelchair users whose destination options are limited by toilet access. At present, corporations that have purchased the toilets are renting them out for events and conducting demo tests that support the mobility of users and expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities who can install and clean the mobile facilities.
Some wheelchair users say they avoid using public transportation buses. When a wheelchair boards a bus, the driver has to take time to secure it. This results in a delay for the other passengers, making the wheelchair users feel awkward. The driver also feels a need to rush to avoid falling behind schedule.
In response to these concerns, a wheelchair one-touch securement system is being developed. Where belts and wires are now used to secure wheelchairs, how can a one-touch system be achieved? One smiling user said, “I’m so happy and moved by this, I can’t find the words.” See this new technology in the second half of the program.
Everyone has different mobility difficulties. Under the slogan, “We want to get everyone where they want to go!” Toyota continues to work at creating diverse options. Be sure to check them out!