How Matia Mobility Has Made Its Mark on the Robotic Mobility Industry

According to the CDC, 12.2% of adults in the U.S. have a mobility disability that causes them serious difficulty with climbing stairs or walking. This represents millions of Americans whose mobility challenges can significantly compromise their daily activities and hinder independence. 

As part of an effort to address these needs, the robotics mobility industry has become increasingly involved in efforts to help individuals with walking disabilities regain movement.  

One company that has made a particularly distinctive mark on the industry is Matia Mobility. As Steven Boal, CEO of Matia Mobility explains, his company’s noteworthy innovations and approach to robotic mobility have proven transformational in the lives of many users. 

1. Designed for Ease of Use 

Matia Mobility’s flagship product, the Tek RMD M1, is a mobility platform designed to help individuals regain independence for sitting and standing, allowing access to locations and heights that wouldn’t be available with a standard wheelchair. 

“The Tek RMD M1 is meant to improve the quality of life for those who have mobility issues like paralysis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or spinal cord injuries,” Boal explains.  

“Increasing mobility is paramount, but we understand that ease of use is essential for helping individuals get the greatest benefit from the Tek RMD M1. That’s why as part of the design process, we incorporated features like a joystick and remote control and a design that allows for easy boarding from the back. Our foldaway transfer seat is especially helpful for transferring from a seat to the Tek RMD M1.” 

2. Electric Sit to Stand 

One of the most noteworthy improvements Matia Mobility has made to the Tek RMD M1 is the addition of an electric lift that makes it easier for users to move from a sitting to standing position. 

“We found that a manual lift system was often difficult for individuals with mobility issues to use,” Boal notes. “The whole point of the Tek RMD M1 is to improve independence, which is hard to achieve if the user needs help getting from sitting to standing. Adding the Electric Assisted Stander to the platform has helped automate this process, providing much-needed assistance from the platform itself to reduce the effort required to change positions. This allows for even more mobility independence.” 

3. A Small Footprint 

Robotic mobility devices often have a large footprint, and in many cases, this requires that the user make significant modifications to their living area to accommodate the device. This was another point of emphasis for the Matia Mobility team. 

“We’ve designed the Tek RMD M1 to have an incredibly small footprint, so that users don’t have to make extensive renovations to their living space,” Boal says. 

“Some renovations may still be necessary depending on the size and layout of the home, but by reducing the potential need for these kinds of expenses, we’re able to help reduce the living costs for individuals with walking disabilities. This makes it much easier to transition to having the Tek RMD M1 as part of the user’s day to day life.” 

This smaller size also allows the Tek RMD M1 to be transported either on a trailer hitch ramp or inside an adapted minivan or SUV, while also making it possible for users to go to work on the device. 

4. Outdoor Functionality 

One common issue with robotic mobility devices is that while they work well indoors, they aren’t optimized for outdoor use — particularly on unpaved surfaces. This is another area where Matia Mobility has been leading the charge in enhancing mobility in all places and circumstances. 

The Tek RMD M1’s optional outdoor conversion kit allows users to easily switch between indoor and outdoor modes with a set of larger, more heavy-duty tires that can handle a wide range of outdoor surfaces, from paved roads and wooden boardwalks to grass fields. This level of functionality enables even greater access to activities and places that may have previously been inaccessible for individuals with mobility challenges. 

The platform’s remote control functionality also plays a role here, allowing for easier loading and unloading up and down ramps for transportation. 

5. Enhanced Accessibility Through Insurance and Financing 

Finally, Boal is excited about the Tek RMD M1’s increased accessibility to the general population through relatively new insurance and financing options.  

“As a FDA 510(k) cleared technology, the Tek RMD M1 is covered by Worker’s Comp and the VA. In some cases, it is also covered by private insurance, as well as Medicare. VA coverage is especially exciting in helping those who have sacrificed so much for our country get the mobility support they deserve. For those who can’t get the device authorized through insurance, we’re also now able to offer a variety of financing options to ensure users have more affordable payments. Our goal is to make restored mobility a possibility for as many people as possible, and these options are helping that become a reality.” 

Leading the Way in Robotic Mobility 

As Boal’s comments illustrate, Matia Mobility’s forward-thinking approach has resulted in many noteworthy innovations that can have a meaningful impact on the quality of life for individuals with mobility disabilities. With a comprehensive solution for addressing mobility needs, Matia Mobility’s products can help individuals gain greater independence and mobility. 

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.