National Seating & Mobility (NSM) has signed a preferred national partner agreement with LUCI, manufacturer of power wheelchair sensor systems and software.
The new partnership will give NSM “a key role in introducing LUCI’s one-of-a-kind technology to a broader range of clinics and power wheelchair riders across the U.S. and Canada through expanded internal and external clinical education, technical trainings and awareness campaigns,” the North American Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) provider said in a June 1 announcement.
“LUCI offers power wheelchair riders greater independence, confidence and safety in a world that’s not always designed for people who rely on mobility equipment,” said NSM’s CEO, Crispin Teufel. “We’re proud to be LUCI’s preferred national partner in the CRT industry and excited to expand access to this life-changing technology through our more than 180 locations.”
LUCI is an advanced driver assistance platform that uses sensor fusion technology — including radar, cameras and ultrasonics — to enhance intelligent safety and performance for power wheelchair riders. LUCI’s functions include drop-off and tip protection, collision avoidance and cloud-based communication and alerts.
“LUCI has been leading since day one, delivering dozens of industry-first features,” said Jered Dean, CTO and co-founder of LUCI. “For years, riders have been asking for collision avoidance and drop-off protection to help prevent driving off curbs or steep edges. LUCI also adds 360-degree LuciView for added visibility of the environment for the rider and provides connectivity to their care team through Alexa, Apple Health, Google Health and Google Assistant.”
“At LUCI, our mission has always been to rethink what’s possible for people who rely on power mobility,” said Barry Dean, CEO and co-founder of LUCI. Barry Dean is Jered’s brother, as well as dad to Katherine, a long-time power chair rider who is LUCI’s inspiration.
“Expanding our partnership with NSM helps us bring safer, smarter mobility to more people,” Barry said. “Their nationwide expertise and deep commitment to the people they serve means more wheelchair users will have access to the safety, confidence and independence they deserve.”
“We should make them feel like the best driver that has ever lived,” Jered said in a video of what LUCI seeks to achieve for power chair riders. “We want them to be the Mario Andretti of power wheelchairs and not realize or care that LUCI’s on board. If we can change the whole discussion around what ought to be available to people like my niece, and how we’re going to talk to wheelchair riders, and just the idea that they deserve every bit of the attention to detail that an iPhone user deserves, that’s a huge win.”
