IIT Madras leads innovation in mobility aid
YD One Revolutionizes Lightweight Mobility in India: IIT Madras has unveiled YD One, a breakthrough in assistive technology. It is India’s lightest active rigid-frame wheelchair, weighing just 8.5 kg. This innovation aims to provide greater independence and ease of use for persons with disabilities.
The launch marks a significant advancement in India’s growing push for user-centric assistive devices under the Make in India initiative.
Design prioritizes active lifestyle and community use
YD One features a single-frame design made from aerospace-grade materials, contributing to both its strength and lightweight nature. Unlike bulky hospital-grade wheelchairs, YD One is tailored for daily active usage, especially in community settings.
Its compact build allows easier manoeuvrability, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.
Empowering users with ergonomics and customisation
The wheelchair offers ergonomic comfort, promoting better posture and minimizing physical strain. It also provides adjustable components to suit diverse body types and user preferences. The focus on user autonomy is central to the design approach.
Static GK fact: India is home to over 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, according to the 2011 Census.
Addressing critical gaps in the Indian wheelchair market
Most wheelchairs available in India are either heavy, non-portable, or imported at high prices. YD One directly tackles this gap by offering a light, durable, and locally produced alternative.
The project underscores IIT Madras’s role in translational research, bridging academic innovation with real-world social impact.
Step forward in inclusive technology and design
This launch reinforces India’s growing ecosystem for inclusive design and assistive devices. By adopting world-class materials and an indigenous approach, IIT Madras sets a benchmark for future innovations in disability empowerment.
Static GK Tip: IIT Madras consistently ranks as one of the top engineering institutes in India under the NIRF Rankings published by the Ministry of Education.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
YD One Revolutionizes Lightweight Mobility in India:
| Topic | Detail |
| Product Name | YD One |
| Institute | IIT Madras |
| Weight of Wheelchair | 8.5 kg |
| Frame Type | Active rigid-frame |
| Material Used | Aerospace-grade single-frame |
| Target Users | Persons with disabilities, active lifestyle users |
| Major Advantage | Lightweight, durable, ergonomic |
| Market Issue Addressed | Bulky, hospital-grade wheelchairs unsuitable for community use |
| National Initiative | Make in India |
| Census Data (PwD) | 2.68 crore people with disabilities (Census 2011) |
