AI-Driven Mobility, Co-Pilot Navigation & 4WD Freedom
Imagine your power wheelchair driving you through the grocery store while you focus on browsing shelves — not steering. Imagine a backup camera helping you reverse with confidence (especially helpful for riders with a stiff neck or craniocervical limitations). Imagine an AI mobility chair that can navigate your home to the bathroom, kitchen, or mailbox with minimal input — delivering a new kind of independence for people with visual impairment, limited mobility, or cognitive fatigue.
That’s the promise behind Strutt EV1 — an autonomous power wheelchair built with safety sensors, mapping, and assisted driving modes designed to reduce collisions and expand where you can go.
Why AI Is the Next Big Shift in Mobility Technology
Over the last 250 years, a handful of technological revolutions reshaped daily life: industrial manufacturing, electrification and mass production, and the computer/knowledge economy. Today, the next shift is underway — the era of Artificial Intelligence, where physical and digital systems converge through robotics, machine learning, advanced sensors, and automation. Mobility is part of that transformation. Just as cars evolved toward driver assistance and autonomous features, the mobility industry is now seeing the first serious step toward autonomous wheelchair navigation.Meet Strutt EV1: The First Autonomous Drive Power Wheelchair
Strutt EV1 is an all-wheel-drive power wheelchair with actuated front steering and a sensor suite designed to help it detect obstacles, map environments, and assist with navigation in tight spaces.
Watch Strutt EV1 In Action
Here are two quick videos showing the Strutt EV1 concept and real-world movement:
Strutt EV1 Key Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Strutt EV1 |
|---|---|
| Drive System | All-wheel drive (4 motors) |
| Suspension | 4-wheel independent suspension |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Turning Radius | 30.7" |
| Seat Width | 18.4" (17.4" between arms) |
| Arm Width (Max) | Adjustable up to 20.4" |
| Wheels | Solid tires: 8" front / 10" rear |
| Ground Clearance | 3" |
| Battery | 20Ah / 640Wh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) |
| Estimated Range | Up to 20 miles per charge |
| Top Speed | Up to 8 mph |
| Weather Rating | IPX5 (rain resistant) |
| Total Weight | 134 lbs |
| Disassembly | Breaks into 3 pieces (heaviest ~41.4 lbs) |
More Strutt EV1 Footage
This video gives additional perspective on design and functionality:
How Autonomous Wheelchair Navigation Works: Sensors, Mapping & Co-Pilot Assistance
At first glance, Strutt EV1’s specs resemble other power wheelchairs — until you get into the autonomous and AI safety features. The front wheels use actuated steering, meaning steering input is interpreted and controlled electronically by motors and mechanisms — a common approach in modern assisted-driving systems. EV1 also uses a sensor stack designed to detect objects, map rooms, and support navigation:- LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Uses pulsed laser light to measure distances and build a precise 3D map of your surroundings.
- ToF (Time-of-Flight) sensors: Rapid distance measurement to help detect near-field obstacles during movement.
- Ultrasonic sensors: Uses high-frequency sound waves and echo timing to help with obstacle detection and avoidance.
- Backup camera: Adds visibility when reversing — a major quality-of-life upgrade for many riders.
Driving Modes: Manual, Co-Pilot, Waypoint & Pathfinder
1) Manual Mode (With Collision Prevention)
Manual mode still drives like a traditional joystick power chair — but with smarter behavior. Riders report smooth gliding turns and controlled braking. When the chair gets too close to an object, it can provide alerts (such as joystick vibration) and can stop if a collision is imminent. Manual speeds include multiple levels plus a higher “sport” speed (up to the chair’s maximum).2) Co-Pilot Mode (Assisted Steering + Safer Navigation)
Co-Pilot builds a 360° awareness layer around the chair to enhance safety. It can proactively decelerate, apply appropriate braking, and make steering corrections to maintain a safer path around obstacles. This is particularly valuable in busy environments like grocery stores, clinics, workplaces, and crowded hallways.3) Waypoint Mode (Go-To Locations You Save)
Waypoint mode lets you save destination points — like the refrigerator, bathroom, office desk, mailbox, or back porch. Once saved, you can select a waypoint from the menu and press start. Depending on the final feature set, voice commands may also be supported as an accessibility option.4) Pathfinder Mode (Tap a Spot, Let EV1 Route You)
Pathfinder is designed for simplicity: touch a point on the map and the chair determines a route and drives you there. The chair stops when it reaches the destination.Who Benefits Most From an AI-Assisted Power Wheelchair?
✔️ Visual impairment – greater independence moving around a home or office with less reliance on sight
✔️ Stiff neck / limited head rotation – backup camera and assisted reversing can reduce strain
✔️ Busy environments – Co-Pilot can help with safe navigation around people, carts, and tight aisles
✔️ Fatigue or limited upper-body endurance – less constant micro-steering and correction
✔️ At-home independence – go-to waypoints like bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and porch
In other words: this kind of chair can help shift attention from “driving” to “living” — reading, working, talking on the phone, or focusing on family.Strutt EV1 Availability, Test Drives & Pre-Orders
The Strutt EV1 is currently in its final beta testing stage. We’re excited to see how this technology can deliver new freedom and safer mobility for riders who have never had access to anything like it before.
We have one available in our showroom if you’d like to schedule a test drive. We are also taking pre-orders now.
? Contact Chris Carpenter at 803-926-1493 to learn more about the Strutt EV1 and place your order. Tentative delivery: April 2026
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