Walk me: Smart robot chair walks, climbs stairs, and folds itself

Toyota unveiled Walk Me, an innovative four-legged autonomous chair designed to enhance mobility for people with reduced movement capabilities. Unlike traditional wheelchairs that rely on wheels, Walk Me uses four robotic limbs inspired by animal locomotion—specifically goats and crabs—to navigate uneven terrain, climb stairs, and move over obstacles such as gravel and slopes. The chair integrates advanced sensors, including LiDAR and weight sensors, to maintain balance, detect obstacles, and ensure user safety. It can adjust its base and tilt automatically to prevent falls, while collision radars halt movement if an object or person crosses its path. The chair offers multiple control options, including manual steering via side handles, integrated buttons, and voice commands, allowing for hands-free operation. Its ergonomic seat adapts to the user’s shape, providing spinal support, and a small armrest display shows vital information like battery life and distance traveled. Powered by a compact battery capable of a full day’s use, Walk Me includes safety features such as joint monitoring and