<![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship - Gizmodo Comments]]> <![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship]]> Hooray for Lehigh!

eagleapex

]]> <![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship]]> @FreeMan: This is for those who are alone, and don't have anyone around to assist.

Buran

]]> <![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship]]> @FreeMan: I think that seat actually moves up into the drivers position, it is probably placed back there so there the moving components of that chair don't get in the way of a passenger side seat up front.

TOWken22

]]> <![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship]]> What the researchers in PA should invent is a type of Veritech Cyclone for those that require wheelchair access. This way, they can just travel themselves instead of having to go on a van.

ripfire

]]> <![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship]]> Unless improved, this thing will malfunction 5 times for every 200 attempts.

GadgetPlay

]]> <![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship]]> @TOWken22: The only thing that concerns me is what happens if the unit malfunctions or the battery dies?

Well, there's always pulleys and levers...

ripfire

]]> <![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship]]> If I were a wheelchair user, I'd probably wind up going the automated ramp route:


+ Watch video


scarbrtj

]]> <![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship]]> @TOWken22: That's where, just like in the rest of life, your fellow humans step in to A) laugh at you, then B) push the chair on the ramp for you.

My only question - they show this guy getting into the passenger seat of this van, then docking the chair. If he's riding shotgun (or backseat driver, as in this case), doesn't that imply that there's a driver who would be able to take care of pushing the chair to the back loading ramp?

FЯeeMan

]]> <![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship]]> @TOWken22:That's a good question. I suppose that person would have other means with which to get help in such a case, such as using a phone to call for help. Seems like a small risk of this happening, compared to the benefits of some independence.

yougottabekidding

]]> <![CDATA[Robotic Wheelchair Uses Lasers to Dock Like a Spaceship]]> This is a pretty great idea offering the handicap a bit more independence. The only thing that concerns me is what happens if the unit malfunctions or the battery dies? Now the wheelchair is sitting somewhere near the rear of the vehicle with the owner stranded in the seat of his car. I am guessing this would be a rare occurrence, just wondering if there is some sort of safeguard from this kind of thing happening.

TOWken22

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