Permobil partners with AI-wearable firm to launch power assist and health tracking solution
Wheelchair manufacturer Permobil has partnered with Mobvoi, an artificial intelligence-wearable company, to bring its manual wheelchair users the SmartDrive PushTracker E3, a power assist solution and health tracking software with Mobvoi’s TicWatch E3 smartwatch.
Mobvoi’s TicWatch was the first smart wearable designed to control the SmartDrive in an effort to leverage everyday technology and encourage fitness and health for manual wheelchair users across the globe.
An innovative AI tech company backed by Google and Volkswagen, Mobvoi focuses on in-house core technologies in the areas including speech recognition, natural language understanding, vertical search, etc. Its products include the TicWatch line of smartwatches, the TicHome Mini smart speaker and TicPods line of true wireless earbuds.
The TicWatch E3 becomes the PushTrack E3 when Mobvoi and Permobil connect. It is designed to enable Permobil wheelchair users to drive their wheelchairs hands-free. With gesture-activated controls, the user can start the SmartDrive feature with a tap on their TicWatch E3 which connects to their wheelchair wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Permobil users can track their daily activities with the SmartDrive and PushTracker app on the TicWatch E3 and on their phones. The SmartDrive app tracks distance and battery usage while the TicWatch E3 counts the user’s pushes as the PushTracker.
On the app, users are able to track their journeys, distance and set goals based on mobility and health-related needs, and receive daily tips to stay active.
With the TicWatch E3, there are advanced heart rate sensors that monitor heart rate in real-time when active and resting that are logged into a weekly graph. When the TicWatch E3 detects any unusual heart rate changes, the user is alerted.
Additionally, the sensors also monitor and record your blood oxygen level at regular intervals throughout the day and night and track your light, deep and REM sleep while providing deep insights on how to create better sleep habits.
Carol Wu, Vice President of Mobvoi, commented: “We are excited to partner with Permobil as they’re introducing the most advanced and convenient rehabilitation tech that increases the mobility and independence of wheelchair users.
“We designed the TicWatch brand with artificial intelligence as a core component of how the product connects people’s digital selves with their offline lives, so we’re proud to offer the TicWatch E3 in a way that continues our commitment of helping people live active and healthier lives.”
The TicWatch E3 frame is made of a premium polycarbonate frame that allows a durable and ultra-lightweight and comfortable design at 32g. The rubber watch straps are durable and breathable on the skin and come in three different colors, black, blue and yellow.
The battery capacity is 380mAH and features Essential Mode, which automatically kicks in when the battery percentage drops below five percent.
Permobil is a global leader in trusted healthcare solutions for power and manual wheelchairs, seating and positioning products, and power assist, with 1,600 team members in more than 15 countries around the world.
Last year, Permobil’s Explorer Mini, a powered mobility solution for toddlers with mobility impairments, was recognised as a TIME Best Invention for 2021.
Check out Permobil’s THIIS Connect listing to find out more about the powerchair specialist.
