Giving a new look to wheelchairs!

US-based startup, Whill unveiled high-tech motorized wheelchairs that can move on rough surface. It is a next generation personal mobility device. There are various models including the state-of-the-art Model M.

Recently, it raised $17.5 million in Series B round of funding. With the help of a patented wheel, the user is allowed to make safe turns on grass, dirt, snow and slopes. The startup has plans to invent a wheelchair that drives automatically and managed through a remote control.  With the recently received funds, it plans to enter the European market as well as promote its device in the US. The investment round was led by Eight Road Ventures. Mirai Creation Investment Limited Partnership and Golden Asia Fund II participated in the round.

The smart wheelchair has a slim and compact design, featuring the one-of-its-kind omni-directional front wheels that help in maneuvering around tight spaces. Whill is integrated with a dedicated iPhone app that has to be connected via Bluetooth for allowing the users to control the wheelchair.  You can adjust the seat, control the settings and lock the mechanism when the wheelchair is not being used.

Whill was founded in Tokyo in the year 2011. Till date, Whill has raised a total venture funding of $30.2 million.

Takeaways:

• US-based startup, Whill unveiled high-tech motorized wheelchairs that can move on rough surface.
• With the recently received funds, it plans to enter the European market as well as promote its device in the US.