Imagine a wheelchair that moves depending on whatever the direction you lean in? That'd be pretty sweet, right (not to mention a show-stopper on the dance floor).
Well, it's now a reality thanks to University of South Florida's choreography instructor, Merry Lynn Morris.
Like most worthwhile inventions, Morris was inspired to create the Rolling Dance Chair after a personal experience: Having with a father who become disabled. And he, just like me, loved to dance. In fact, I still enjoy dancing even if it's sans leg movement now. I am probably
one of the few people who use wheelchairs, in the entire country, who still goes
out to clubs and dances her ass off.
I'm not oblivious. I know I look a fool to a lot of people when I do it, but I don't care. I have a powerchair, an elevator seat (it raises me up about a foot and a half, putting me at eye-level with the people standing weirdos), and now all I need is this hands-free Rolling Dance Chair to complete my clubbing experience, FTW!
To watch video(s) of the chair in action, click here.
How does it work exactly? The mechanical engineers used parts from a Segway, and well as the base from YOUR typical powerchair (it looks like they used a Jazzy base). They haven't released full detailed specs yet, since they're in the process of trademarking the design, but I'm guessing the sensor gyroscopes from the Segway are what detect the user's movements...
And while this is not my ultimate dream chair (the thought-powered chair that Barbara used in WB's "Birds of Prey" is), this is a close second.
To dance, and move around the floor, like I did before? Yeah, that would increase my happiness more than any anti-depressant on the market. Can someone please ship me this chair asap?! I'll bake you brownies or something.
