The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, which operates 21 retirement communities across England, has joined forces with Centaur Robotics to improve the lives of its residents and to better understand the benefits of innovative mobility technology.

Centaur Robotics’ pioneering electric vehicle is a self-balancing, two-wheeled chair called the Centaur. Because it is slimmer, more agile and designed to look good, the Centaur allows people to ‘age in place’ for longer, while improving their social networks. The Centaur is the size of a dining chair and fits seamlessly into restaurants, bars and shops. It also lifts the user to eye-level, putting shelves and cupboards within reach.

ExtraCare and Centaur Robotics will work with the UK government-backed Design Age Institute to further enhance the Centaur’s sophisticated technology and the support services that make it easier to drive. The work will also show how retirement community residents can use and benefit from the Centaur and help shape the vehicle’s future.

Principles and research enabled by the Design Age Institute will make the Centaur more attractive and ultra-safe for mobility-impaired people in communities and private homes, both across the UK and internationally. In January 2022, the Centaur was selected as a Pathfinder Project by the institute.

Eric Kihlstrom, chairman of Centaur Robotics, said: "Centaur Robotics and ExtraCare share the same goal. We are both committed to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives. Staying mobile and independent as we age in place is key to that. Our collaboration with ExtraCare will allow us to analyse the types of journeys people living in retirement communities make and how slimmer, more agile personal electric vehicles like the Centaur can be used around and inside people's homes.

He added: "Mobility scooters are too large and are often left outside where they can obstruct corridors and fire exits. While many rely on them to get around, they have a negative image which deters potential users. The Centaur looks good and is designed to combat the stigma which accompanies so many mobility devices. We also hope our work with ExtraCare will create an affordable service option opening up access to users from all social and economic backgrounds."

From a robotic dog providing companionship, to a camcorder doorbell, the Centaur is the latest in a number of technology-based initiatives ExtraCare is introducing to help enhance the lives of its 4,000 residents.

Shirley Hall, ExtraCare’s Head of Research, Innovation and Customer Insight, said: “We’re aware of issues in our locations around use of scooters and wheelchairs and are seeking new ways to resolve them. We’ve been working with residents for several years on how to store them and how they are being used in the communal areas. The Centaur has the potential to be another solution for us and our residents. We are excited to trial it in some of our locations, to get resident feedback, and to ensure we continue to innovate in our setting.”