Mobility Unlimited Challenge Awards 5 Finalists $500,000 To Create Their Prototypes

Did you know that around 10% of the world's population is currently living with a disability? That's 650 million people that require assistance doing the things able-bodied individuals take for granted: going up and down stairs, taking a walk around the neighborhood, and even moving throughout your own home is incredibly difficult and frustration when you live with limited mobility.

That's why Japanese car manufacturer Toyota decided to team up with Nesta's Challenge Prize Center to create a competition that would bring together the planet's most innovative individuals to help those struggling with limited mobility; through the Mobility Unlimited Challenge, new ideas regarding inclusive travel to help those living with disabilities enjoy a more active lifestyle. As of January 2019, five finalists have been chosen to turn their designs into reality.

• Moby: Following the popularity of bike and scooter sharing services across the world, Moby's electric wheelchair scheme would enable people who use lightweight manual wheelchairs to slide them into an electric-powered pod. They would then be able to cover great distances in cities and drop the pods off at their final destinations.


• QOLO: Short for Quality of Life with Locomotion, QOLO is an exoskeleton that users can operate both sitting and standing. The lightweight mobile exoskeleton allows wheelchair users to "interact with other people at the same eye-level, improving communication and changing the way they see the world."


• Quix: Another exoskeleton, Quix is a wheel-less device that possesses motors at the joints -- hips, knees, and ankles all work in tandem to move the legs in a walking motion. It uses the same perception technology that self-driving cars depend on, helping to deliver advanced mobility, safety, and independence.


• Phoenix AI: This ultra-light wheelchair looks more like a conventional product, but possesses smart capabilities beyond what is currently available. The carbon-fiber frame has sensors that detect the user's position; depending on if they're leaning forward or back, it adjusts its center of gravity to ensure balance is maintained. This also makes it easier for the user to push and turn, and prevents them from falling backward.


• Evowalk: Designed for people who experience foot drop (like those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis), this non-intrusive sleeve fits around the user's leg. Sensors determine the walking motion and the sleeve then stimulates the correct muscles at the right time to help their gait.

The finalists have until 2020 to create and put their prototypes to the test; the grand prize winner will be awarded one million dollars, and may forever change the lives of wheelchair users forever by expanding their limited mobility options.