Faiz Arbab, an engineering student at the Lahore University of Management and Sciences (LUMS) has managed to leave a positive impact in the world of technology by developing the world’s first-ever voice-operated wheelchair. Arbab who is currently pursuing an MS degree in Electrical Engineering has named it “GOBEE”.
First launched and displayed last year, GOBEE fetched the Best Consumer Product Design Award 2018 by National Design Awards (NDA) Pakistan almost immediately. The GOBEE revealed this year strives to do much more than its previous version.
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What is in store?
Equipped with the latest technology, some of the distinguishing features of GOBEE are:
- Bluetooth and Wifi facilities
- Water-resistant
- Anti-rust, anti-sweat
- Remote control operation ranging above 100 feet
- Long and durable battery power with two batteries of 18Ah each
- Drive powerup to 40km per charge
- Equipped with emergency stop and call button
- Bright LED lights for active maneuvering at night
How does it work?
GOBEE has a smartphone application which has a Call N Go option through which the user can call the wheelchair from 15kms of the distance. Actively able to respond to the voice commands of the user, the wheelchair can be oriented into several directions.
According to Arbab, the purpose behind this invention was to make the handicapped independent and GOBEE has managed to do it quite successfully. He further thanked National Incubation Center (NIC) Lahore and AYEco. to provide him the right kind of environment and support for this project.
“Ever since the product has been launched, we have received multiple orders from the Pakistan Army, Navy and several international NGOs,” Arbab added.
Mr. Asad Umar, Ex-Finance Minister, and MNA PTI also took to twitter to appreciate this initiative and efforts.
“This is just the kind of work that needs to be projected”. Umar said.
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