News

TRILOBITE Goes into Production

TRILOBITE, a multi-purpose aid intended for use by physically disabled people and developed at our University, has found an investor. Therefore, nothing stands in the way of starting its industrial production in the following months. “On 20 May we signed a licence agreement related to the industrial design of TRILOBITE with Ing. Jiří Devát, whose company will be in charge of the production of this aid,” said Prof. Drahomíra Pavelková, Dean of the TBU Faculty of Management and Economics.

The idea to design a ‘runabout’ for physically disabled people originated from cooperation between the TBU Department of Physical Training, the TBU Product Design Studio and the Centre for Disabled People of the Zlín Region. Later on, the Faculty of Management and Economics financed the industrial design protection of this aid. “This wheelchair has been designed as a multi-purpose aid, that means it can be used by disabled people as a standard wheelchair (Active Wheelchair) and also in the following versions: In-line Roller Sledge, Ice-Hockey Sledge, Monoski and Handbike. Therefore, it will be of valuable help to disabled athletes,” Prof. Pavelková described the aid in question. “I dare say that it will literally bring about a revolution in daily life of wheelchair users,” added Ing. Devát.

The investor, who is at the same time a graduate from the Faculty of Technology in Zlín, is interested in further cooperation with the University, also as regards the next development stages of this aid. “This wheelchair is an excellent example of practical application of research outcomes, with experts in different specializations collaborating on the product, which will not remain unreleased, but will find practical use and contribute to the active use of leisure time of persons with physical handicap,” concludes Prof. Pavelková.