Robotic Wheelchairs Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Residential, Commercial), By Distribution Channel (Retail, E-commerce), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025

Report Overview

The global robotic wheelchairs market size was valued at USD 75.8 million in 2018 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% from 2019 to 2025. Rising instances of temporary and permanent mobility impairment, growing geriatric population, and obese individuals who cannot participate in activities that demand smooth movement are driving the demand for robotic wheelchairs.

Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on the research and development activities to develop smart and advanced features to assist people with moving disabilities. These initiatives are expected to result in increased application of robotic wheelchairs. For instance, Whill Inc. provides a wheelchair model M for residential purpose, along with its California partner. The product is equipped with 5D robotics software and hardware that collects data with the help of GPS and LiDar sensor attached to it.

Integration of advanced technology in powered wheel chairs has introduced robotic features to the product. Upgraded features such as internet of things, navigational mapping, and sensors are some of the benefits in these wheelchairs. To promote free mobility assistance, companies are coming up with wheelchairs equipped with robotic features. For instance, the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research developed an autonomous intelligent robotic wheelchair with features such as motorized automatic braking, autonomous path planning, obstacle detection capability, floor level detection, and small turning radius for mobility.

Countries such as U.K, Germany, India, and China are witnessing a significant demand for robotic wheelchairs owing to growing geriatric population, high purchasing power, and technological advancements. According to the National Technical University of Athens, technology initiative taken by companies for disabled and elderly in Europe is focusing on autonomous robotic wheelchairs with the help of various projects such as the MANUS project for everyday tasks and the smart wheelchair project for commercial applications.

Application Insights

The residential application segment accounted for the largest share of 82.9% in 2018. Residential use of robotic wheel chairs has been gaining traction due to its ability to provide independent mobility assistance for indoor activities. Professor Nicholas from Universidad Miguel Hernandez of Spain has developed a robotic wheelchair for indoor applications with the integration of brain neural computer interaction technology.

The commercial sector is expected to expand at a CAGR of 10.8% over the forecast period. This segment is expected to witness significant growth due to increasing adoption of robotic wheelchairs at airports, hospitals, tourist places, and social service homes. Singapore’s Changi General Hospital and Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport, Singapore MIT Alliance for Research and Technology launched a self-driving robotic wheelchair operative with a smartphone app, which is designed by Panasonic and Whill Inc.

Distributional Channel Insights

In 2018, retail distribution channel led the robotic wheelchairs market with a value of USD 62.5 million. This category has been gaining traction owing to its benefits such as providing the customers an advantage of scanning the product before purchase, free demonstrations, and the presence of a store associate who helps them with the applications and benefits of the technology inserted in the wheelchairs. For instance, Matia Robotics, Whill Inc., and Sunrise Medical have their stores and they have collaborated with others in order to cater to the vast consumer base.

On the other hand, e-commerce distribution channel is expected to expand at a CAGR of 11.0% over from 2019 to 2025. With an aim to reach out to the vast consumer base, companies are tying up with online retailers as well as introducing their e-portals such as made in china.com, healthvistas.com, seniority.in, and medical bulky.

Regional Insights

In 2018, North America accounted for the largest share of 33.0% owing to increasing demand from U.S. Early adoption of technology and growing geriatric population are the major factors driving the companies and medical research institutes to introduce robotic wheelchairs for independent mobility assistance. For instance, the University of Toronto’s Engineering Department and the Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) collaborated with Cyberworks Robotics Inc. for robotic automation in wheelchairs. Increasing geriatric population and reimbursement form healthcare insurance providers are driving the market.

For instance, Invacare Corporation launched a wheelchair TDX SP2 manufactured with LiNX Technology and G-Trac Technology for better control system over obstacles. In addition, the U.S. scientists developed new mind controlled robotic wheelchair for severely disabled people.

Asia Pacific has emerged as a growing industry for the robotic wheelchairs and is expected to register a CAGR of 10.0% over the forecast period. Technological advancement by companies and startups for the convenience of immobile population is a key factor driving the demand in the region.

A cross disciplinary research program held in Taiwan developed smart robotic wheelchairs that are equipped with navigation software and obstacle detectors for senior citizens and disabled people. Various universities and institutes such as Chiba Institute of Technology (CIT) developed robotic wheelchairs such as chiba robotic wheelchair and Self-E wheelchair that works on sensor LiDar and robotic operating system respectively.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Independent mobility, aging population, accident victims, and people in need of mobility assistance are anticipated to drive the demand for robotic wheelchairs over the forecast period. Companies are comping up with new developments in the market.

For instance, Magic Mobility launched Extreme X8, Frontier V6, and pediatric wheelchairs that are hybrid in nature due to articulated frame technology used in manufacturing of these robotic wheelchairs that provides rehab positions and compatibility with both indoor and outdoor purposes. Similarly, Invacare launched pediatric wheelchairs such as pronto M71 jr, Power tiger, and MK6i Electronics. In addition, Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc. launched patrafour with special front wheel and all-wheel drive design. Some of the prominent players in the robotic wheelchairs market include:

• Sunrise Medical LLC

• Invacare Corporation

• Permobil Corporation

• Meyra GmbH

• Karman healthcare

• Ottobock SE & Company

• Matia Robotics

• Upnride Robotics

• DEKA Research & Development

• Whill Inc.

Robotic Wheelchairs Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global robotic wheelchairs market report on the basis of application, distribution channel, and region:

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

  • Residential

  • Commercial

• Distributional Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

  • Retail

  • E-commerce

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • The U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • UAE