R2D2 IIT Madras

Visibility is a sign of progress. When we build inclusive spaces, we don’t just see more people with disabilities—we see more opportunities for connection, innovation, and growth. Let’s challenge outdated narratives and create a world where everyone can thrive. 🌍✨ #InclusionMatters #Accessibility #DiversityAndInclusion #ChangeTheConversation Rishikesh Guruprasad | Tarun Chandrasekar

International Wheelchair Day 2025 – The Right Wheelchair Matters On March 1st, we celebrate International Wheelchair Day with the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, sharing stories from around the world on why the right wheelchair truly matters. We had the privilege of speaking with Justin Jesudas — a wheelchair user, innovator, change-maker, and social engineer. Justin is a valued member of our Business Development Board, the COO of R2D2 IIT Madras, a Board Member of the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, and the Strategic Alliance Manager at the Global Disability Innovation Hub, based at UCL. 🎙️ Listen in as Justin shares: ✅ What makes a wheelchair appropriate ✅ Why is having an appropriate wheelchair important ✅ The challenges faced in low- and middle-income countries ✅ Why “a wheelchair is not just a wheelchair” ✅What needs to change in the world Thank you, Justin, for taking the time to speak with us. Get Involved 📢 Share this post to raise awareness ✍️ Tell your story – Share your journey, challenges, or triumphs using #InternationalWheelchairDay2025 Learn more on the ISWP Website Together, we can demand a world where every wheelchair user has the mobility and support they are entitled to. #InternationalWheelchairDay2025 #Unstoppable #AppropriateWheelchair #DisabilityRights #InclusionMatters

What if $200 could solve your mobility challenge? This standing wheelchair is designed to offer more independence, comfort, affordable and better health outcomes. Developed by R2D2 IIT Madras, it features a smooth gas-spring mechanism and supports up to 242 pounds. This is a fantastic example of #TechForGood, creating a real impact on physical health and overall quality of life. Check out the video to see it in action. Standing tall can make a difference. 🚀 #AssistiveTech #Innovation #Mobility #Healthcare To stay current with the latest trends in #Technology and #Innovation, Subscribe to 👉 #CXOSpiceNewsletter here https://lnkd.in/gy2RJ9xg or 👉 #CXOSpiceYouTube here https://lnkd.in/gnMc-Vpj Video Credit: Phoenix Medical Systems

Breaking barriers, one dive at a time! 🌊✨  We’re thrilled to share that the IIT Madras Swimming Pool is now equipped with a state-of-the-art swimming pool lift, designed to make swimming accessible for individuals with locomotor impairments. This transformative assistive device empowers them to enjoy the freedom of full-body exercise and the joy of being in the water. 💪  User trials are set to begin soon, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and empowering environment. Together, we’re making waves of change—one step, one splash, and one smile at a time! 🏊♂️❤️ #AccessibilityForAll #InclusiveDesign #SwimmingForEveryone #AssistiveTechnology Aghil Prakash M Likhitha S Das Prajith Raj R RAJESH KUMAR M Seethapathi Poothathan Hamras wasith

The University of Tokyo - Study Tour at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras! Over three enriching days, we had the pleasure of hosting students from the University of Tokyo, Japan, at #IITMadras. Their journey began with a campus tour, a visit to the Heritage Centre, and Japanese language classes alongside IITM students. They also explored Chennai’s cultural gems, including the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the Santhome Centre. As part of the Cultural Immersion Program, on the second day, professors and students from the University of Tokyo introduced #calligraphy, #Origami, and #BonOdori to IITM students. The session saw enthusiastic participation, fostering cross-cultural learning and #engagement. The day ended on a delightful note with a South Indian culinary experience. On the final day, the students visited the IITM Incubation Cell, where Jaya K gave them a tour and explained the startup incubation process. They interacted with the #XYMA team, learned about NeoMotion, and explored AgniKul Cosmos’s space startup ecosystem. At R2D2 IIT Madras, they witnessed a demo of assistive technology designed for differently-abled individuals. The day concluded with sight seeing in Chennai, perfectly blending education with cultural exploration. This study tour has truly been a remarkable mix of #learning, #innovation, and cultural exchange! Special thanks to Prof. Nilesh Vasa, Sivaguru Nathan, and Madhu Samyuktha for facilitating this enriching experience! #IITMadras #GlobalEngagement #CulturalExchange

Exciting Job Opportunity for Fresh Mechanical Engineers! Thryv Mobility, incubated at IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP) under the guidence of R2D2 IIT Madras, is looking for enthusiastic and passionate Graduate Engineer Trainees (GET) in Mechanical Engineering to join our innovative team. Thryv Mobility specializes in designing and manufacturing cutting-edge medical and rehabilitation devices, making a meaningful impact on lives through engineering excellence. Just go through the job description attached to learn more about the role and responsibilities. Interested? Send your resume to: [email protected] Additional Details: 📍 Location: IIT Madras Research Park, Chennai 💼 Salary package: Might differ based on potential and experience. #JobOpportunity #MechanicalEngineering #GET #ThryvMobility #Innovation #MedicalDevices #R2D2Lab #IITMadras

Mastering advanced wheelchair skills is all about technique, control, and confidence. Here’s how I take on staircases using just handrails! Let’s push the boundaries of mobility together. 💡 Disclaimer: This is an advanced wheelchair skill that requires proper training and supervision. Do not attempt without professional guidance and safety measures. Through the Wheelchair Skills Program (WSP) at NCAHT-IIT Madras, we empower wheelchair users with essential mobility skills to navigate real-world challenges safely and independently. #WheelchairSkills #AdaptiveLiving #InclusiveMobility #NCAHTIITM #WSP #AccessibilityMatters #WheelchairLife #DisabilityInclusion #MobilityForAll #AssistiveTechnology #ParaSports #BreakingBarriers #WheelchairUsers #IndependentLiving #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs Justin Jesudas Global Disability Innovation Hub Pete Donnelly R2D2 IIT Madras

🌟 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐈𝐓 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐬 🌟 The THRIVE event was an excellent platform to showcase the dynamic IIT Madras Research Park Ecosystem and the IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, highlighting how academia, industry, and innovation come together to create impactful solutions. During the two-day workshop (January 20-21, 2025), we had the pleasure of giving representatives from 41 higher academic institutions an immersive tour of key innovation hubs, including: 🔹 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐛 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝 (InCent-LGD): A cutting-edge facility focused on advanced research and development in lab-grown diamonds, with applications in sectors ranging from electronics to jewelry. 🔹 IITM Incubation Cell (IITM IC): A thriving startup hub supporting entrepreneurs through funding, mentoring, and industry partnerships, fostering innovations across diverse domains such as healthcare, AI, and clean energy. 🔹 AgniKul Cosmos: A pioneering space-tech startup incubated at IIT Madras, developing customizable, small-satellite launch vehicles to provide on-demand, affordable access to space. 🔹 TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2 IIT Madras): A world-class center dedicated to designing and developing affordable assistive devices and technologies, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. 🔹 Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre, IIT-Madras (AMTDC): A national hub driving advancements in manufacturing processes, machine tools, and precision technologies in collaboration with industry leaders. 🔹 IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation : A technology innovation hub supported by the Government of India, focusing on emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, 5G, and IoT, creating a bridge between research and commercialization. 🔹 IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP) : India’s first university-based research park, fostering seamless collaboration between industry and academia to accelerate technological advancements and entrepreneurial growth. The visit provided an incredible opportunity for participants to witness firsthand the intersection of inspiration and excellence. We view the THRIVE event as a significant step forward and are excited to continue contributing to its success by fostering collaborations across institutions and organizations for a Viksit Bharat Abhiyan. A big thank you to all who participated and made this event a success! Indian Institute of Technology, Madras l Department of Science & Technology, Government of India l MJS Raman l G Veeraraghavan l Balamurali Shankar l Meenakshi Chidambaram l Rajendra Mootha l Ashutosh Kumar, आशुतोष कुमार #THRIVE #InnovationEcosystem #IITMadras #ResearchAndDevelopment #Collaboration #ViksitBharat

We are in #Kenya this week with our partners Frontier Tech Hub testing the NeoMotion and MATT Mobility third-wheel devices—an innovative approach to enhancing urban mobility for people with disabilities. This collaborative effort is driven by the vision of FCDO Pioneers Anne MacKinnon and Dr. Jacqueline Owigo (PhD), who saw the potential for cutting-edge technology to address real-world mobility challenges. Global Disability Innovation Hub (#GDIHub) has partnered with Frontier Tech Hub to explore what’s possible, building on research from the FCDO-funded AT2030 programme, which continues to support and amplify this work. To ensure we are tackling the right challenges, we are engaging with key stakeholders—including people with lived experiences of disability and local companies with deep insights into Kenya’s urban mobility landscape. These conversations were essential in shaping our approach, culminating in a collaborative workshop to refine next steps for bringing a third-wheel attachment to the Kenyan market. Kenyan cities present unique accessibility barriers, making mobility even more difficult for persons with disabilities. Our goal? A detachable electric ‘third wheel’ for wheelchairs, combined with digital innovations, to increase independence, mobility, and access in low-resource urban settings. Phyllis Gichuhi, Annamae Muldowney, Mikaela Patrick, Iain McKinnon, Daniel Hajas, Kounkuey Design Initiative Click this link to read more: bit.ly/47GVHkw #GDIHub #AT2030Programme #FrontierTechHub #Disability #Inclusion #AT #London #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #InclusiveDesign #AssistiveTech #Innovation #AT #Design #Climate #Cities #Access #Accessibility

Thrilled to share a milestone moment in my journey! Just received my first patent for the "Multifunctional Mobility Assistance and Rehabilitation Device," designed to help kids with disabilities improve their mobility and confidently tackle daily activities. This innovation is a step toward empowering children to live more independently and joyfully. Here's to creating solutions that make a real difference! R2D2 IIT Madras Sujatha Srinivasan Rahul Bhamare Aghil Prakash M RAJESH KUMAR M