On 16th July, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) launched YD One — Bharat’s lightest active wheelchair and the country’s first indigenously developed, precision-built mono-tube rigid-frame wheelchair, designed to match the world’s best.
According to IIT, “YD One is built to international standards and fully customised for each user’s body, posture, and daily mobility needs. Weighing just 9 kilograms, its ultra-lightweight, precision-engineered design delivers maximum strength and energy efficiency while making it effortless to lift, handle, and stow in cars, autos, or public transport.”
YD One was launched at the IIT Madras campus in the presence of Chief Guest Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur, Nau Sena Medal, Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces); Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras; Project Coordinator Dr Manish Anand, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras; Dr Ravinder Singh, Scientist, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); and other dignitaries and stakeholders.
A release stated, “Across the world, the wheelchair is too often seen as a universal symbol of disability — something that confines or restricts its user. This narrative must change. YD One transforms this reality. Built with precision-engineered geometry and aerospace-grade materials, it delivers the kind of high-performance, ultra-light mobility once only possible through expensive imports — but at a fraction of the cost. Minimalistic, stylish, and fully customised, YD One is not something users are bound to — it’s something they are proud to own, a device that expands their world rather than shrinking it.”
In his address, Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur, Nau Sena Medal, Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces), said, “At IIT Madras, the innovations and products being developed come with a heart. They are meant for everyday usage and for people who need them the most. Let me assure you that your work does not need to remain in the lab or at the prototype stage — it must reach the real world. The Armed Forces have just been sanctioned a Centre for Advanced Research by the ICMR. They will collaborate with IIT Madras and other start-ups to conduct final medical validation, practical usage testing, and safety certification of all the innovative products emerging from this ecosystem.”
He added, “Today, true independence means inclusion, dignity, and self-reliance for each and every citizen of this country, regardless of their background, ability, or circumstances. WHO has stated that nearly 15% of the global population suffers from some form of disability. In absolute numbers, this ranges from 1.3 to 1.9 billion — and this number is rising. It is estimated that by 2058, this will reach 2.5 billion, which is a huge number.”
Congratulating the team behind YD One, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “An inclusive society is fundamental for the prosperity of our country, and technology should play a crucial role in ensuring the same. This is yet another demonstration of IIT Madras’ commitment to this goal.”
Industry partner Dr Rejin John Varghese, Co-Founder and Head of Research and Development at Thryv Mobility, said, “Together with IIT Madras, we aim to ensure these wheelchairs are manufactured indigenously to global standards and offered at a price point that makes high-performance mobility accessible to those who need it the most.”
Project Coordinator Dr Manish Anand, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “YD One marks a new milestone in our journey to address the need for world-class mobility solutions at affordable price points for the Indian and global markets.”
YD One’s launch is supported by Trimble’s CSR initiative, which is providing the first 20 wheelchairs to deserving users. RRD and Schueco India have also stepped forward to support future provisioning — helping to ensure that high-quality, active mobility becomes an everyday reality for those who need it most.
