The Mobility Unlimited Challenge:

Five finalists of the Mobility Unlimited Challenge were announced at The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, 7 January 2019.

Nesta’s Challenge Prize Centre partnered with the Toyota Mobility Foundation to create a challenge prize that reflected the Foundation’s belief in the power of mobility.

This led to the $4 million global Mobility Unlimited Challenge which supports radical improvements in the mobility and independence of people with lower-limb paralysis through smarter assistive technology.

Innovators from around the world submitted game-changing technologies to improve the lives of people with lower limb paralysis.

Each finalist will receive a $500,000 grant to develop their idea further and the final winner will be awarded $1 million in 2020 in Tokyo. The five finalists are:

A smart wearable leg sleeve that helps people with partial lower limb paralysis regain their mobility. The EvoWalk AI system uses sensors to predict the user’s walking motion and stimulates the right muscles at the right time to help them walk better. (United States)
An integrated network of wheel-on powered devices, allowing users of manual wheelchairs the convenience and benefits of a powered chair, accessible via an app-based share scheme. (Italy)
An ultra-lightweight, self-balancing, intelligent wheelchair which eliminates painful vibrations. (United Kingdom)
A mobile exoskeleton on wheels, allowing users to sit or stand with ease. (Japan)
A highly mobile, powered exoskeleton offering fast, stable and agile upright mobility. (United States)

More information on the finalists, the shortlist and the longlist can be found on the Mobility Unlimited website.

Author

Orpa Haque

Orpa Haque

Orpa Haque

Assistant Programme Manager

At Nesta Challenges, Orpa delivered programmes focused on social impact, including a flagship programme, The Mobility Unlimited Challenge.

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