Permobil is expanding the built-in connectivity and technical data transmission functions of its Power Platform power wheelchairs.
In a Sept. 2 announcement, the manufacturer announced built-in connectivity “will be enabled across all Power Platform-equipped wheelchairs, allowing them to transmit technical data as part of our connected ecosystem.”
The Sept. 2 expansion builds on the connectivity of factory-connected wheelchairs that started April 28. Beginning on that date, all new Permobil M and F series power chairs were constructed with connectivity built in.
The expansion will be seamless for consumers, as currently deployed power chairs won’t require additional hardware or service visits to enable the connectivity.
“The connectivity capability is already built into the Power Platform wheelchair,” Permobil said. “When the connectivity is turned on, the Power Platform wheelchairs will begin transmitting technical data automatically. This process happens in the background and does not interrupt normal wheelchair operation.”
Consumer control over technical, personal data
Permobil, with American headquarters in Lebanon, Tennessee, emphasized that its power chairs “send technical data only.”
The manufacturer defined technical data as including “seating positions and history, mileage, battery status, maintenance information, diagnostic data and service data, and is an integral part of the digital infrastructure of our connected power wheelchairs. It secures optimal performance of the product and enables dealers and providers to manage the chair, perform remote diagnostics, and improve service support via fleet management.”
Permobil added that none of that data is protected health information (PHI): “The data does not contain any information about an individual’s health status, healthcare provision, or payment for healthcare that can identify the individual. As a wheelchair manufacturer, we do not perform any regulated administrative or clinical functions for our customers/partners.”
While “there is no information that links any specific user to that chair” when the power chair leaves the factory, power chair riders can opt out of the technical data transmission by contacting Permobil.
Permobil can turn off the technical data transmission remotely. “By choosing to turn off technical data transmission, the user accepts that the lack of connectivity may impact provider serviceability, including service efficiency and user experience,” Permobil said.
Power chair riders can also choose to have Permobil process their personal data by creating a MyPermobil account or by contacting Permobil customer service. Riders can disconnect the MyPermobil account at any time, and Permobil said GPS features “require explicit consent and are turned off by default.”
[Using data to drive better outcomes
Permobil said connectivity can improve power chair riders’ experiences by detecting and understanding technical problems earlier, helping providers to more efficiently service power chairs, and using remote diagnostics abilities to better prepare for field visits to minimize power chair down time.
Consumers can use connectivity features to track battery usage and estimate battery range; check live seating and positioning values; access integrated map information; and look up provider and Permobil contact information.
Power chair riders can also request copies of the personal data that Permobil has by contacting customer service.
