"For decades, walking frames have been a case study in stagnation. They've remained almost unchanged since their invention, functional, yes, but limited in how they adapt to real-world conditions. Traditional frames can be awkward to maneuver on slopes, unstable on rough terrain, and visually uninspiring. More importantly, they often carry a stigma, subtly signaling frailty rather than empowerment. US-based startup Mobilate saw this as a glaring opportunity."
"They envisioned a mobility aid that wouldn't just serve as a walking assistant, but as a statement of independence, confidence, and modern design. To bring this vision to life, they partnered with design innovators Katapult. The project began with a crude but promising test rig from Mobilate. It demonstrated the core idea's potential, but also revealed a steep challenge: translating a mechanically complex concept into a device that was intuitive, failsafe, and cost-effective."
"From day one, the Katapult team knew this wasn't just about engineering; it was about rethinking the user experience from the ground up. The goal was clear: a walker that could adjust to inclines and declines seamlessly, be feather-light yet incredibly stable under load, and maintain a price point that would make it accessible. And it had to look undeniably good, stripping away the outdated aesthetic associated with mobility aids."
Walking frames remained largely unchanged for decades, often awkward on slopes, unstable on rough terrain, and visually uninspiring while signaling frailty. Mobilate identified an opportunity to create a mobility aid that doubles as a statement of independence, confidence, and modern design, and partnered with Katapult. The design challenge required translating a mechanically complex concept into an intuitive, failsafe, cost-effective product that adapts to inclines, remains feather-light yet stable under load, and looks contemporary. Over 18 months, Katapult, engineering partner Kismet, and suppliers iterated through sketches, CAD, prototypes, and testing. The result is Roami, a device positioned as high-performance gear with standout features including a patented Cam Lock hub-less clutch mechanism.
Read at Yanko Design - Modern Industrial Design News
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