Sunrise Medical releases accessible voice-activated solution for its powered wheelchairs
Powerchair and mobility aid manufacturer Sunrise Medical has unveiled an upgraded powerchair switchbox, complete with voice activation.
To address the challenges faced by powerchair users with limited hand dexterity or fine motor weakness, Sunrise Medical has added voice activation to its CTRL+5 switchbox, enabling patients to control their chair’s functions through verbal commands instead of the traditional joystick.
The switchbox is the first-ever device on the market to allow control of a powerchair’s key functions purely through the user’s voice.
The powerchair add-on supports up to ten customisable buttons and users can program seat positioning functions including tilt and recline, as well as other actions such as using their horn or turning on their lights.
Having been tested in settings such as busy shopping centres and having been used by individuals with different accents and varying speaking voice volumes, the CTRL+5 is intended to work for everyone, everywhere through the use of an optional microphone jack.
Khizer Zaman, UK Power Product Specialist, said: “With our mission to improve people’s lives, it was essential for us to create a switchbox that is accessible for all while also being adaptable for an individual’s needs and preferences. The voice activation technology was a key part of this, catering to users who cannot access the joysticks normally used to control a power chair’s functions.
“We worked hard to develop the CTRL+5, investing in research to create a product that offers users a new level of power chair control. It can also be used in really busy, noisy environments, so it can really empower users to live as independently as possible. Ultimately, our hope for the new switch box is that it improves people’s lives.”
The system can be individually programmed to match a user’s requirements, and as a key safety feature, it can be overridden when in use simply by saying ‘Stop’. The switch box also automatically deactivates after use to avoid continuous listening, to ensure user control and privacy. However, it cannot be programmed to drive the wheelchair.
The CTRL+5 is compatible with any Quickie Q-Series powerchair, so it can be easily added on to a chair without having to make any changes or adaptions.
Find out more about Sunrise Medical’s new CTRL+5 here.
Last year, Sunrise Medical announced that it had added new courses to its Education in Motion STEPs programme to support industry professionals in assessing, prescribing and fitting mobility and seating technology for their clients.
