"This thing can walk and talk. Can't you just stick it on the turnpike and give it money for tolls?"
Even knowing the context of the entire conversation, would anyone guess that this line from the October 11, 2007 episode of ABC’s "Ugly Betty" refers to a wheelchair?
The owner of an iBOT Mobility System would.
The Independence iBOT 4000 Mobility System is not your average power wheelchair; hence the name Mobility System. The iBOT is so much more than a wheelchair. Yes, it performs the same basic functions as any other wheelchair, but the iBOT also does so much more and allows the user to experience the world in a whole new way.
Imagine being able to carry on a conversation at eye-level while walking with a friend. With the iBOT’s unique balance function, one of five unique functions, you can. This is possible because each Mobility System is programmed and calibrated to the owner’s center of gravity. When you move, the built-in computers sense movement and the chair moves with you.
Unfortunately, unless you are already in possession of an iBOT, you will never be able to experience all that this unique wheelchair has to offer. Johnson and Johnson announced late last year that it would end all sales and marketing of the iBOT Mobility System as of January 2009. Company officials cited insufficient demand - only 400 were sold in 2007 - and inability to get reimbursements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as reasons for closing Independence Technologies, the division in charge of the iBOT.
The iBOT, billed as the stair-climbing wheelchair, did have its critics, though. Those critics claimed that a wheelchair user who would use the power chair would not have the upper body strength to climb stairs independently. A capable wheelchair user could climb stairs independently with a sturdy handrail and a strong grip. With an assistant to help, neither a handrail nor a strong grip are required.
The licensing for the iBOT Mobility System will return to inventor Dean Kamen. Many iBOT users, who will not be able to get a replacement when the one they have wears out, and those who were hoping to get an iBOT in the future, are hoping that Kamen will tweak and improve his innovative technology and take it elsewhere.
Independence Technologies will honor all orders made as late as December 31, 2008, and will continue making deliveries until March 2009.
The company will also continue to provide technical support and service to iBOT owners through the end of 2013, when the company will close its doors for good. The website lists customer service numbers for the United States and the United Kingdom.
The copyright of the article The End of the iBOT in Assistive Technology is owned by Megan Drummond. Permission to republish The End of the iBOT in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Why not try dropping the price of the ibot and see if there are more buyers
and and easier time getting reimbursement. It may mean more profit in the
long run. I tried one out and they are pretty amazing. I use a manual chair
and can walk with crutches but for someone who is a wheelchair user only,
this looked like a miracle.
Jul 13, 2009 2:04 PM
Guest :
I JUST learned of the demise of the ibot..I'm shocked and saddened!
Shocked, because it seemed like the perfect "wheelchair" and
saddened, because I was SO looking forward (in the near future) to being
able to get one, because it was so incredible. The thought of seeing eye to
eye w/someone, and, not having every curb or step be a perm. obsticle...I
mourn the loss of a dream!......
Aug 3, 2009 11:38 AM
Guest :
This is so very sad. I too hoped to own one of these wonderful chairs one
day. Let's hope the inventor can get it back on the market again with
another company soon.
Aug 4, 2009 12:28 PM
Guest :
Good news there is a new stair climbing wheelchair on the market!! The
Challenger 4x4 wheelchair costs $16,000 which is $6,000 less than the ibot
and you do not require upper strength or weight restrictions to use it. It
looks amazing take a look at their website:
www.allterrain4x4wheelchairs.com
Aug 25, 2009 12:23 PM
Guest :
there's not even an aftermarket. Another example, alas, of temporarily
able-bodied folk playing at being God!
I'd happily pay
out-of-pocket for even a USED one.
Dr. William Hall
Sep 13, 2009 9:53 AM
Guest :
This is outrageous, the Handicap are always considered last. Just as I get
to the point physically to really need and IBot, they are removed from
market. I have Diabetic Nueropathy, and an ordinary wheelchair is not
working well with me. If my feet are down, 1/2 of my under thigh is
extended over the seat, my left foot swells to capacity. The feeling
leaves completely and I am afraid I am going to lose my leg. IBot would be
ideal for my condition. But, I need Medicare and Medicaid to pay for it,
so I guess I just risk losing my leg. The government controls our lives
enough as it is, now, they are controlling your body. Please try to get
them back on market. Thank You, Rosalie
Sep 21, 2009 8:24 AM
Guest :
These are needed now. Post other countries where we can go to buy one. Sell them as in parts as kits and let us build them ourselves. Stop
holding handicapped people hostage to insurance companies and big business.
Nov 2, 2009 4:18 PM
Guest :
The folks over on Hizook.com think the ibot would make a great robotics
platform:
