# Stair-Climbing Accessible Seating The Chiba Tech Robotic Wheelchair Can Traverse Uneven Surfaces By Meghan Young | Published 2012-10-15 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chiba-tech-robotic-wheelchair References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/15/3505406/robotic-wheelchair-stair-climbing-uneven-surfaces-concept-prototype) & [diginfo](http://www.diginfo.tv/v/12-0174-r-en.php) Traditional wheelchairs may increase the mobility of handicapped individuals, but only in basic ways; the Chiba Tech Robotic Wheelchair, however, introduces a whole new range of movement that will increase people's independence even more. In addition to typical capabilities, this [accessible seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheeled-robotic-aid) will allow users to cope with [uneven surfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exoquad-v2) and tight spaces. More than that, the wheel function more like legs, which can be operated to [climb stairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyber-x). Developed by researchers at the Chiba Institute of Technology, led by Shuro Nakajima, the Chiba Tech Robotic Wheelchair is still in its prototype stage. While it is equipped with a variety of sensors to detect the layout of a room and modify its movements accordingly, these movements still require a bit of finessing. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Robotic Wheelchairs:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing robotic wheelchairs that offer a whole new range of movement and increased independence for individuals with disabilities. - **Accessible Seating:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating accessible seating that helps users cope with uneven surfaces and tight spaces. - **Stair-climbing Technology:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing technology that enables wheelchairs to climb stairs, providing enhanced mobility for individuals with disabilities. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Healthcare:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the healthcare industry by developing advanced robotic wheelchairs and accessible seating solutions for individuals with disabilities. - **Mobility and Assistive Technology:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the mobility and assistive technology industry by creating innovative solutions for individuals with disabilities, such as stair-climbing wheelchairs and advanced seating options. - **Robotics:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the robotics industry by designing and manufacturing robotic wheelchairs with advanced capabilities, including the ability to traverse uneven surfaces and climb stairs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sleek Robotic Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-wheelchair.md) - [Wheel-Free Assisted Mobility Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-walk-me.md) - [Semi-Outdoor Foldable Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robooter.md) - [Robotic Movement-Interpreting Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honda-unione.md) - [Upright Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kime-wheelchair.md) - [Beach-Ready All-Terrain Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allterrain-wheelchair.md) - [Assistive Manual Wheelchair Add-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manual-wheelchair.md) - [Urban Mobility Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uni-one.md) - [Modified Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leaning-wheelchair.md)