The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in assistive technology by launching YD One, India’s lightest active wheelchair. Weighing just 9 kilograms, this precision-engineered device represents the country’s first indigenously developed mono-tube rigid-frame wheelchair designed to match global standards.
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YD One Wheelchair: Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9 kilograms |
| Frame Type | Mono-tube rigid-frame |
| Customization | Fully customizable for each user |
| Materials | Aerospace-grade materials |
| Launch Date | July 16, 2025 |
| Manufacturing Partner | Thryv Mobility |
Revolutionary Design Philosophy
YD One transforms the traditional wheelchair narrative from a symbol of disability to an enabler of independence, mobility, and full participation in society. The wheelchair addresses a critical gap in the Indian market, where millions still rely on heavy, poorly fitted hospital-style wheelchairs designed for short-term indoor use.
Built with precision-engineered geometry and aerospace-grade materials, YD One delivers high-performance, ultra-light mobility once only possible through expensive imports but at a fraction of the cost. The minimalistic, stylish design ensures users feel proud to own it rather than burdened by it.
Innovation Behind the Engineering
The development of YD One represents a decade-long journey at IIT Madras. Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, Head of TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development, who pioneered this project, explained that when R2D2 was established 10 years ago, the goal was to change India’s assistive device landscape through world-class products meeting Indian needs.
Project Coordinator Dr. Manish Anand emphasized that YD One emerged from user needs and was co-designed with inputs from users, caregivers, and clinical professionals at every stage. This user-centric approach ensures the wheelchair truly addresses real-world mobility challenges.
Global Impact and Market Potential
The wheelchair industry has long been dominated by expensive imports, making quality mobility solutions inaccessible to many users. YD One changes this dynamic by offering international-standard performance at affordable prices. The research team recognizes that their products provide unique advantages in global markets, particularly in emerging economies where affordability is crucial.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur highlighted that WHO estimates almost 15% of the global population suffers from some form of disability, approximately 1.3 to 1.9 billion people, with projections reaching 2.5 billion by 2058. This massive market presents significant opportunities for accessible mobility solutions.
Manufacturing Excellence and Local Production
To bring YD One to market, the research team partnered with Thryv Mobility, an IIT Madras-incubated startup that will manufacture the wheelchairs locally to global benchmarks. This partnership ensures each wheelchair is truly bespoke and affordable for users in India and emerging markets.
Dr. Rejin John Varghese, Co-Founder and Head of Research and Development at Thryv Mobility, emphasized their commitment to manufacturing indigenously to global standards while maintaining affordable pricing. This approach supports the Make in India initiative while delivering world-class assistive technology.
Technology Integration and Smart Features
The wheelchair incorporates advanced engineering principles typically found in aerospace applications. Its ultra-lightweight design doesn’t compromise on strength or durability, making it effortless to lift, handle, and transport in various vehicles. The precision-engineered geometry ensures optimal energy efficiency for users.
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Social Impact and Accessibility
YD One’s launch is supported by Trimble CSR initiative, which is providing the first 20 wheelchairs to deserving users, while RRD and Schueco India have stepped forward to support future provisioning. This collaborative approach ensures high-quality, active mobility becomes accessible to those who need it most.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized that an inclusive society is fundamental for the country’s prosperity, and technology should play a crucial role in ensuring the same. YD One exemplifies this vision by democratizing access to premium mobility solutions.
Future Prospects and Expansion
The success of YD One positions IIT Madras as a leader in assistive technology innovation. The institute’s commitment to user-centric design and affordable solutions creates a template for future developments in the disability support sector.
The partnership with Thryv Mobility enables scalable manufacturing and distribution, potentially transforming the lives of millions of wheelchair users across India and beyond. This model demonstrates how academic research can successfully transition to market-ready solutions with significant social impact.
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IIT Madras’ YD One represents a transformative leap in assistive technology, proving that world-class innovation can emerge from Indian institutions while addressing global needs for accessible, high-performance mobility solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes YD One different from existing wheelchairs in the Indian market?
A: YD One is India’s lightest active wheelchair at just 9 kilograms, featuring precision-engineered mono-tube rigid-frame construction with aerospace-grade materials. Unlike heavy hospital-style wheelchairs, it’s fully customizable for each user’s body and needs, offering international-standard performance at affordable prices.
Q: How can users access YD One wheelchairs and what is the pricing strategy?
A: YD One is manufactured by Thryv Mobility, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, ensuring local production to global standards. The initial 20 wheelchairs are being provided through Trimble CSR initiative to deserving users, with future provisioning supported by RRD and Schueco India to maintain affordability.
