IIT-Delhi signs MoU with Max subsidiary to design mobility-aid solutions for elderly

IIT-Delhi has collaborated with Antara, a part of the USD 4 bn Max Group, to design mobility-aid products for elderly.

Antara signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Department of Design at IIT Delhi, which will encompass diverse projects, ranging from mobility-assisting physical products to cognitive enhancement games aimed at delaying the onset of Dementia, an official release said on Wednesday.

The Max Group subsidiary, Antara, is an integrated service provider for lifestyle and lifecare solutions for seniors. According to the company,  as life expectancy has increased, so has the proportion and size of the elderly population, which has led to mobility associated disabilities, including hearing and visual impairments among the elderly population.

“Addressing the needs of our senior citizens is crucial, and through this collaboration, it is aimed to create innovative solutions that enhance their quality of life. Mobility aid products not only provide physical support but also promote independence and confidence, enabling the elderly to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle,” Prof. Preeti Ranjan Panda, Dean of Corporate Relations, IIT Delhi, said while signing the MoU.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Ishaan Khanna, CEO, Antara Assisted Care Services, said, “For Antara, this association is the natural progression towards offering comprehensive, quality solutions for seniors as it incorporates our learnings over the past decade”. 

“This collaboration with IIT Delhi will help us leverage technology and R&D to co-create innovative relevant solutions to address the lifestyle and life care needs of seniors, empowering them to lead a life of dignity and autonomy,” he added.

“There is a need to focus on design of products and built environments that reduce constraints for seniors to participate in social and productive activities. This association hopes to build on the opportunities an aging population provides to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives,” Prof. Sabyasachi Paldas, Department of Design, IIT Delhi, noted.

According to the release, Antara conducted extensive research on usage of mobility aids among elderly, that led to the conceptualisation of a new mobility aid to address such issues faced by seniors through inclusive design solutions.