TE-01: Redesigning the Wheelchair

Brief description of the organization

TESORO is a strategy and transformation consultancy. We power potential, working at the intersection of people and organization, engaging people to connect and respond to organizational strategy and priorities with confidence. We are working on a passion project to build a redesigned wheelchair that enriches life by powering mobility.


Problem area

There are six (6) challenges with wheelchairs today. They relate to:

  1. Access

  2. Heavy

  3. Expensive

  4. Uncomfortable

  5. Unsustainable

  6. Injury-prone


Main objectives

Build a prototype that can be demonstrated, tested, refined in order to scale to a Canadian-made product to serve all of humanity. Let's build a frame that can be built upon for specific health needs and to track health data which is sent to a user's health practitioner.


Scope of work

Some research is done but more will need to take place. The same for an environmental scan. A prototype is the core deliverable and thus any activities to support it are required.


Deliverables

This needs to be explored and guidance is welcomed. For now, it includes:

  • Documentation on what was built and how
  • Presentation
  • A website
  • A survey (TESORO has one that can be recirculated, or a new one can be created)

Team meeting frequency

Weekly


Skills and training required

Strong engineering skills and competencies in a variety of engineering specialties (unspecified), human-centred design skills, and chemistry skills as fabrication options are explored.


NDA or a commercialization agreement for this project?

Yes