Curtiss-Wright launches complex seating control platform for rehabilitation powerchairs
Curtiss-Wright has announced the launch of the R-net ISM2 system, a next-generation platform for complex seating control on medical mobility rehabilitation powerchairs.
Designed to deliver sophisticated seating capability on modern, narrow-wheelbase powerchairs, the ISM2 family provides control of up to 14 actuators through a range of slimline 2-, 4- and six-channel modules. Its compact size gives manufacturers the flexibility to integrate advanced seating functions while protecting valuable chassis and seat space.
Tom Walsh, Director of Product Management at Curtiss-Wrigh Industrial, said: “The R-net ISM2 gives powerchair manufacturers a future-ready seating architecture designed for speed, safety and flexibility.
“It combines high actuator capacity, intelligent seating control and practical development tools that reduce complexity, helping OEMs create sophisticated, comfortable and reliable seating systems with greater confidence and efficiency.”
ISM2 provides precise control of complex multi-actuator seating movements across up to 25 axes, supporting customized up/down behaviour for each axis.
Fine position control helps deliver smooth, predictable and comfortable seating motion, while up to eight clinician-defined memory positions can be accessed by the user and, where enabled through system programming, fine-tuned to individual preference.
Real-world position information, such as angular position or linear actuator extension, can be displayed independently for each axis on compatible LCD-based input devices.
Curtiss-Wright’s Seat Architect design and simulation tool enables designers to construct, model and validate complex seating movements on screen before downloading a complete seating file to the powerchair.
By replacing manual coding with a construct-and-simulate development approach, Seat Architect helps accelerate seating development and reduce iterative tuning.
Each ISM2 input accepts rotanal, linear, tilt, voltage and digital sensors, providing OEMs with broad flexibility in position sensing. Compact external ISM2-TS tilt sensors can be mounted in six orientations, while every ISM2 module incorporates onboard tilt sensing.
ISM2 also includes programmable angular limits, axis inhibits, seat condition logic and virtual inhibits to help prevent inappropriate seating movements, chassis or ground clashes, and to apply drive-speed restrictions or drive inhibits according to seat position.
Granular diagnostics identify the specific channel or input associated with an error, helping technicians locate faults quickly. Emergency Mode enables a technician or carer to operate channels individually and return the user safely to a transfer position. The ISM2-2L module additionally integrates LED lighting control and offers a programmable brake-light output or external horn.
Independently TÜV-certified, the R-net ISM2 is supported with a Master Access File for FDA 510(k) submissions and full MDR CE-mark documentation, helping streamline OEM regulatory submissions for global markets.
The R-net ISM2 is a next-generation seating control platform that helps powerchair manufacturers deliver sophisticated, comfortable, and clinically appropriate seating solutions.
With ultra-slimline modules controlling up to 14 actuators across as many as 25 axes, plus Seat Architect development tools, flexible sensing, programmable safety functions, memory positions, and detailed diagnostics, ISM2 gives OEMs a scalable, future-ready foundation for complex seating on modern narrow-wheelbase powerchairs.
The R-net ISM2 system will be showcased by Curtiss-Wright Industrial at REHACARE 2026 from September 23 to 26, Hall 6, Stand F58.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a global integrated business that provides highly engineered products, solutions and services mainly to the aerospace and the defence markets, as well as critical technologies in commercial power, process and industrial markets.
Last year, the firm launched the BLS50 brushless motor controller for mobility scooters, which has been designed to deliver a new benchmark in mobility with its ‘outstanding’ gradient performance.
