The simulation above tests Orbilift on a range of different stairs, from steep to mild gradients.

The test includes a safety factor, setting the contact-point of a wheel, a minimum 50mm from the edge of a step.

Orbilift automatically adapts to the different gradients. It does this by adjusting the pitch of its leg, in mid-air, prior to placement on a stair.

With its unique ability to climb different stairs and travel floor-to-floor, building-to-street and building-to-building, Orbilift networks all buildings, small and large.

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The video below contains historic footage of the first, motorised, Orbilift prototype. It climbed a stair the first time it was turned on. The date was 25th October 2020.

Orbilift stays fully balanced throughout its motion-cycle and the counter-rotating gear, that stabilises the seat, works well. It is proof of concept.

November 2024 Update

Following the success of the Orbilift prototype, we turned our attention to its steering system.

In January 2024, we filed an international patent for a new type of wheel. We named it the Bilastic™ wheel.

The Bilastic™ wheel is for use in differential-steering systems (i.e. steering effected by means of turning individual wheels, at different rates).

The wheel has segments that move bi-directionally, then return elastically, to a central position. This reduces skidding, resulting in less floor abrasion and better energy efficiency.

Bilastic™ wheels are particularly suited to low speed, pedestrian environments. Applications include: mobility scooters, power wheelchairs and various robots, such as delivery robots and aged-care robots.

Development of the Bilastic™ wheel has reached its final stages (TRL 7-8). A production model will be unveiled in early 2025, with production expected to commence in mid/late 2025.

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We have commenced engineering, for a full scale, multi-modal prototype, able to carry 130kg.

Multimodal means: transformable from rolling mode to climbing mode, with adjustable height and variable footprint.

On the TRL scale (NASA & EU Technology Readiness Level ranging from TRL1 to TRL9) the Orbilift is currently at TRL5.
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Assistive technology is a synthesis of person + environment. The inventor of the Orbilift, Victor Young, deeply understands this relationship.

Victor is is an award-winning Australian architect, with experience in disability projects.

He studied at the University of Sydney, where he attained a double degree: Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Architecture, First Class Honours.

The video above shows him explaining one aspect of Orbilift - the unique gear-set that stabilises the seat-platform.
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In the video below, Victor speaks at the Assistive Tech Expo 2024, University of Sydney.

He explains Orbilift's use in aged-care. And beyond this, how stair climbing technology creates a network, linking all buildings, small and large.

This network can benefit everyone, with all sorts of new services, delivered via stair-climbing devices, traversing and permeating the environment.

Better connectivity increases the utility and value of all buildings. It's good for the environment, economic productivity and people. Please have a listen.

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END OF SECTION 2