Sunrise Medical has launched a power seating control that can be activated and operated via verbal commands.
The new system is now a feature on Switch-It’s CTRL+5 power seating control module, which Sunrise Medical noted in an Aug. 12 press release is “the industry’s first voice-activated power seating system.”
By saying, “Hello, Sunrise,” power chair users can activate the system, then give a command such as “Sunrise 2” to command the system “to move the pre-programmed seating functions,” the manufacturer said. “The CTRL+5 already provides intuitive access to power seating functions through push buttons and toggle switches, depending on the switch box chosen. With the new voice activation, riders can now tilt, recline, elevate their legs, and more.”
The voice activation function, designed for PG Drives R-net electronics, is standard on all CTRL+5 modules and is available on QUICKIE, ZIPPIE, and Magic Mobility power chairs. The system is able to understand a range of English-speaking voices, including ones with a variety of accents or created by speech-generating devices.
While voice-activated virtual assistants such as Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa are largely about consumer convenience, Sunrise Medical said this new system “supports clinically recommended position changes, helping to promote pressure relief, circulation, and overall comfort throughout the day. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with limited dexterity or difficulty reaching their controller, which can often limit optimal seat function use. This is especially helpful for individuals using sip-and-puff, head arrays, or mini joysticks — such as those with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy.”
“We believe that everyone deserves full control over their comfort and health,” said Bernd Krebs, Sunrise Medical’s chief technology officer. “Voice activation on the CTRL+5 gives riders more autonomy in managing their posture and well-being, especially those who may have difficulty accessing their standard controls.”
Input options such as buttons and toggles will remain fully available so that power chair riders can choose their preferences. The voice activation feature can also be turned on or off at any time, and seating teams can personalize the settings per each client’s needs.
Sunrise Medical said all chairs ordered with the CTRL+5 option will automatically include voice activation, with no additional ordering or funding approval required.
