Drive off with a nod, turn the electric wheelchair sideways with a short movement of the head — the control behind this technology runs at Glass chair about a smart glasses app and a specially developed adapter. We spoke with Claudiu Leverenz, one of the brains behind the startup, which developed its idea from a university project on smart mobility. 7 questions, 7 answers. (Update from 5 July 2018: Glasschair is now called MUNEVO).
1. Who are you and what do you do? Please briefly introduce yourself and your product!
At Glasschair, we have developed a new control solution for electric wheelchairs that allows people who can no longer move their hands to easily control their wheelchair.
This all happens via an application installed on smart glasses such as Google Glass, and with the help of our specially developed adapter. If the user moves their head in a certain direction, the wheelchair also moves in that direction.
The user no longer needs a complexly modified wheelchair, but can simply put on a type of glasses and drive off.
And because it is more convincing to see with your own eyes:
We — Dominik Schniertshauer, Shady Botros and Claudiu Leverenz — met during our studies at the Technical University of Munich and developed the first prototype as part of the Mobility Services internship at the Chair of Business Information Systems.
2. Abe
That's been around for a long time!
The market for special controls for people with specific conditions such as spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis, and hand paralysis, is very traditional. At the same time, alternatives lack individual adaptability. Furthermore, they are usually very expensive and require complex integration into the wheelchair.
Therefore, we try to respond more precisely to the needs of people with disabilities with new and innovative solutions and offer individual solutions for each person.
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
The traditional market has many requirements and reacts more slowly to new developments. However, we have already built a large network and are working together to drive this market forward.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
We've kept ourselves financially afloat so far through successful participation in competitions. We're currently continuing to work on the prototype and are currently planning tests in various clinics.
5. What does Munich mean to you?
We all moved to Munich, some from Germany, but some from further afield. We really like Munich because it's a big city, but it feels small and cozy. The startup scene in Munich is constantly growing, and we meet new people almost every day who have great ideas and want to make a difference.
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
We don't just want to create a new control system for electric wheelchairs. Rather, we want to develop an everyday assistant for people with disabilities that will help them regain their independence with fun and enjoyment.
7. Helles or Prosecco?
If so, then (Augustiner) Helles!
