Weighing just 9 kg, the ultra-light wheelchair is custom-built to suit each user’s body, posture, and mobility needs. It is designed to be easy to lift, handle, and stow in cars, autos, or public transport, the institute said in a release. 
The wheelchair was co-designed with direct inputs from users, caregivers, and clinical professionals. It was unveiled at the IIT Madras campus in the presence of Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur, Nau Sena Medal, Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces); Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras; along with faculty, researchers, and industry partners.
Designed using aerospace-grade materials and precision-engineered geometry, YD One promises high-performance mobility at a significantly lower cost than imported alternatives. It aims to offer users greater independence, comfort, and dignity—especially those currently relying on bulky, hospital-style wheelchairs.
“Today, true independence means inclusion, dignity, and self-reliance for all citizens,” said Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur. “The Armed Forces are committed to validating and supporting such innovations. We will collaborate with IIT Madras for medical validation and safety certification to bring these products into real-world use.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability—equating to approximately 1.3 to 1.9 billion people. This number is projected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2058.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, added, “An inclusive society is essential for national prosperity. Technology must play a critical role in achieving this, and YD One is a strong step in that direction.”
The project was led by Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, Head of the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras. “Our mission has always been to design world-class assistive devices that primarily meet Indian needs while also competing in global markets,” she said. 
YD One will be manufactured and distributed by Thryv Mobility, a startup incubated at IIT Madras. “Our goal is to make high-performance mobility accessible and affordable,” said Dr. Rejin John Varghese, Co-Founder of Thryv Mobility. The wheelchair is fully customizable and locally built to meet global standards.
The launch is supported by Trimble’s CSR initiative, which will provide the first 20 wheelchairs to deserving users. Additional support has come from RRD and Schueco India to expand access in the future.
