IIT Madras has introduced YD One, a lightweight, precision-built wheelchair designed to meet international standards. Weighing just 9 kilograms, YD One is custom-built for each user’s posture, body type, and mobility needs. It has been developed to provide a durable, energy-efficient, and high-performance alternative to traditional wheelchairs in India, particularly those designed for short-term use.
The new model was launched on 16 July 2025 at the IIT Madras campus. Attending the event were Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur, Director General of Hospital Services (Armed Forces), Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, project coordinator Dr. Manish Anand, and representatives from the Indian Council of Medical Research and other institutions.
Most users in India currently rely on heavy hospital-style wheelchairs that are not suited for daily outdoor use. YD One aims to address this issue with a minimal, rigid-frame design using aerospace-grade materials, which makes it easier to lift and transport. Unlike imported models that come at a high cost, YD One is intended to be both accessible and affordable.
The development of the wheelchair was led by Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan at the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), which was founded ten years ago at IIT Madras. The project has been executed in collaboration with Thryv Mobility, a startup incubated at the institute. The company will manufacture YD One in India and supply it to both domestic and global markets.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur highlighted the Armed Forces’ commitment to the practical adoption of assistive technologies and announced that they would work with IIT Madras and startups for medical validation and safety certification. He also stressed the importance of technological, economic, and social independence as the country nears 100 years of independence, pointing to the growing global population of persons with disabilities.
Prof. Kamakoti noted that such innovations are part of IIT Madras’s effort to build an inclusive society through technology. Dr. Manish Anand added that the design was informed by feedback from users, caregivers, and clinicians.
To support initial deployment, the Trimble CSR initiative will provide the first 20 wheelchairs to selected users. Further assistance for continued supply is being offered by RRD and Schueco India.
Also read | Nagaland: Women’s group raids illegal liquor outlets near Assam border