Nano-Optonics Energy, a Japanese firm, unveiled an electric wheelchair for hospitals and rehabilitation centers. It looks like a comfy chair you might find in a library, but with tank-like rubber treads. Though it’s not designed specifically for off-road travel, the treads on the Unimo wheelchair allow it to turn in place and so get around hospital corners and in and out of small elevators.
The treaded chair can climb a step up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height and features an adjustable back that can also act as an assistant to help the rider get on and off. It’s controlled using a traditional joystick controller just like on traditional electric wheelchairs.
(hat tip: Gizmodo)