BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (December 9, 2020)—Numotion and LUCI announced a national distribution agreement that will make smart wheelchair technology directly available to power wheelchair riders for the first time ever. Through the historic agreement, Numotion, a provider of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT), becomes the first U.S. partner for LUCI’s first-of-its-kind hardware/software product, which attaches to power wheelchairs to provide security, stability and connectivity.
“LUCI is the most interesting, truly innovative CRT product to come to market for some time. It takes ‘smart wheelchair’ to a whole new level,” said Mike Swinford, CEO of Numotion. “This groundbreaking technology opens doors to independence for wheelchair users and parents/caregivers who have safety concerns regarding power mobility. We are thrilled to embark on this partnership and look forward to being able to offer this new technology to customers.”
LUCI, which publicly launched in July after three years of development, uses a patented sensor-fusion safety system to combine data from cameras, ultrasonics and radar into a single, 360-degree view of the world. The technology works with riders’ steering inputs and reaction times to create a customized, safer driving experience.
In addition to avoiding dynamic obstacles and threats to a user’s environment, LUCI provides cloud-based communication and alerts via its MyLuci portal. The MyLuci app, which is available to users in the Apple and Google Play app stores, allows riders to view their data and use a secure, encrypted system to share select information with trusted family, friends and caregivers. LUCI can also be configured to alert others of specific events—for example, a rider’s location if his or her battery gets dangerously low.
“We are thrilled to offer this game-changing product for power wheelchair users, providing personalized solutions including collision avoidance, drop-off protection, and anti-tipping alerts,” said John Pryles, EVP of Sales at Numotion. “LUCI’s collision avoidance provides protection to users while allowing them greater independence, fewer accidents and fewer costly chair repairs. LUCI is the kind of forward-thinking innovation our customers want and deserve.”
Through this partnership, Numotion’s team of over 500 ATPs will have access to LUCI educational materials, resources and expertise to help equip eligible individuals with the product. Clinicians and wheelchair users can contact their local Numotion representatives to enquire whether LUCI may be right for their specific case.
“LUCI is excited to partner with Numotion in bringing new wheelchair technologies to the forefront. This is a momentous step for our company and the industry,” said Barry Dean, CEO and co-founder of LUCI. “The entire Numotion team is incredibly focused on serving its customers’ needs. From the very beginning, they understood and immediately recognized the many ways LUCI improves the driving experience. We’re looking forward to working with Numotion as we reimagine wheelchair mobility and bring real-world solutions to users.”
The agreement between LUCI and Numotion will also bring new technological inclusivity to riders, as LUCI works with iOS, Android, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Health and Google Fit.
To learn more about LUCI, or to inquire about a clinical demonstration, visit numotion.com or luci.com.
