The world’s first fully mobile seated self-transfer system between wheelchair and another seated position for people with limited mobility
The Mantis Mobile Hoist is a project that started in August 2012 when a 72 year old paraplegic person shared his desire to be able to do unassisted seated transfers. At that stage, using a transfer board was not possible as his shoulders could no longer support his weight during transfers. Fast forward more than 12 years, and we have the Mantis.
So what is the Mantis and how can it assist?
People that suffer from diminished mobility and function of the lower half or one side of their body are often bed bound and the only means of being mobile is by transferring from the bed to a wheelchair with the use of a hoist or other transfer aid, if they are no longer able to use a transfer board. With currently available mobile assistive technology solutions, these transfers are typically only possible with the assistance of a carer or family member, which infers that unassisted transfers are generally not an option.
The Mantis aims to provide these people with the option to do unassisted transfers between two seated positions, e.g. bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to lounge chair, wheelchair to toilet seat or wheelchair to bed, all while they are completely alone. In addition, typical users of the Mantis would be able to do these transfers in multiple different locations inside their own home as the hoist is mobile and intended for use on relatively even and smooth floor surfaces, its footprint being small enough to fit through most normal doorways inside the home, whilst always being fully controlled by the user. If a seated transfer is made to a self-propelled shower commode chair, it may further allow the user to manage their own personal hygiene tasks with no or minimal assistance.
Please feel free to contact us for more information.