A bespoke Permobil powerchair has played a pivotal role in scientist and robotics expert Dr Peter Scott-Morgans incredible journey as he explores and adopts the latest in cutting-edge technology and AI to overcome Motor Neurone Disease.

The Permobil F5 VS, an advanced standing powerchair, featured prominently in Channel 4s new documentary Peter: The Human Cyborg.

Dr Peter Scott-Morgan is a pioneer in the field of science and robotics, and boasts a masters in artificial intelligence (AI) and a PhD in robotics from Imperial College London.

In 2017, Peter learned that he had Motor Neurone Disease (MND) a terminal disease that degenerates nerve cells.

Immediately after his diagnosis, Peter decided to put his fascination with robotics into practice and set off on his extraordinary journey to become the worlds first human-cyborg.

Filmed over two years, the documentary follows Peter as he undergoes a radical cybernetic transformation, working with doctors, assistive technologists, engineers, designers and more as he employs surgery, AI and robotics to live his life to the fullest.

Permobils F5 VS, an advanced sit-to-stand powerchair, played a key role in Dr Scott-Morgans fascinating journey.

The company started working with Peter in 2018 as the robotics expert pushed the Permobil team to take the powerchair to its technological limits with an array of customisations needed to incorporate Dr Scott-Morgans range third-party additions.

Some of the customisations made to Peters chair include a powered respirator tray (respirator, food/water, muscle/massage pump); Command Centre providing 2x Lenovo Yoga, 2x Iris Bond, Asus 16 display (avatar), mounted on an electrically controlled swing-away bracket; powered height-adjustable armrest; and a powered BOSE headrest, fully adjustable with mini actuators for a perfect fit.

In addition, the chair boasts upgraded actuators to handle the extra weight added to the chair, as well as brackets on the backrest to hold 2x 360 webcams to give the user complete vision.

Discussing working with Peter, Gordon Cunningham, General Manager Permobil UK & Ireland, said: The starting point for Project Charlie, as we affectionately dubbed the project, was the same as with any chair: understanding that a power chair is not just a mobility device to get from A to B, but that the person in the chair sees it as his or her lifeline to life.

Our job is to then do all we can to make that possible.

Permobil and Peter decided to stagger the customisation of the F5 VS so he could benefit from it as soon as possible. Charlie Mark 1 was built and customised at the powerchair specialists workshop in northern Sweden and delivered to Peter in November 2018.

The ideas, imagination and the level of planning that have gone into his ability to live a fulfilling life have left us all in awe, said Pete Jones, Permobil Product Rehab Specialist who worked closely with Peter and Project Charlie.

As can be seen on screen, Peters drive and optimism is not to be underestimated or overlooked.

The last of the major powerchair enhancements were completed in late 2019, when the Eyegaze & avatar technology, intuitive co-pilot attendant control, and enhanced pressure relieving seating upgrades were installed. Permobil also confirmed fine-tuning some of the existing customisations too.

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Customised powerchair helps 'human-cyborg' on his inspiring journey to overcome MND - AT Today