Prototype 2 in testingWheelchairThe stair-climbing prototype that started everything — now in its second generation.A star wheel that turns stairs into just another stretch of road
Inclusion through innovation
Stairs are not an argument
We build a wheelchair that takes steps and kerbs in its stride — and puts people back at eye level.
140 m
wheelchair users worldwide we want to remove barriers for
100 %
of the profit flows back into development
3
pillars: hardware, software and awareness
Our mission
Could you invite a wheelchair user to your home?
For most people that question turns into arithmetic: steps, thresholds and doors that are too narrow.
Autak is a non-profit association working to make life a little easier for people with particular needs. We are students from very different fields — and we are building mobility that leaves nobody behind.
With your help we can raise awareness for more than 140 million wheelchair users worldwide and support them with what we develop.
Three pillars
How we take barriers down
Technology alone is not enough. We work on hardware, on software and on minds at the same time.
Hardware
Stair-climbing wheelchair
A wheelchair that takes steps and kerbs, and brings its user back to eye level.
Software
Learning platform & navigation
Digital tools that find accessible routes and make knowledge available to everyone.
Awareness
Inclusion & equal opportunity
Campaigns, events and social media that make barriers visible before we remove them.
Our prototype
A wheel that turns stairs into just another stretch of road
We design mobility, and the field of application has no fixed limit: the next generation of the wheel could sit under a wheelchair, a pram or a hospital bed.
- Takes stairs, steps and kerbs
- Raises the seating position to eye level
- Developed openly, funded as a non-profit
Glimpses
From the workshop and from the street
Pictures from Aachen: test drives, events and the people behind them.
The autak team gathered in front of Aachen Cathedral. 
Wheelchair users at an outdoor Autak event. 
Working on the prototype in the workshop. 
Wheelchair laser tag in a darkened arena. 
Trade fair booth with the wheelchair prototype. 
Autak stand in Aachen city centre. 
Group photo of the team outdoors.
Press
Autak on “Einfach genial”
The MDR science programme visited our prototype and showed how the wheelchair takes stairs.
More coverage
- MDR — Einfach genialScience programme on the stair-climbing wheelchair2023
- ARD MediathekFeature on mobility and participation in Aachen2023
- CYBATHLONAssistive technology in competition2024
- UpdateDeutschlandPrototype in the nationwide innovation programme2021
MDR “Einfach genial” on the Autak wheelchair
MDR — 2023
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Projects
What we are working on
From mechanics to the app — every project is built by our team in Aachen.
- Prototype 2 in testingWheelchairThe stair-climbing prototype that started everything — now in its second generation.A star wheel that turns stairs into just another stretch of road
Available in the shopConnieTravelling independently with a wheelchair and a suitcase, without asking for help.The luggage hitch that clips onto a wheelchair in a few moves
In developmentRobot armA gripper on the wheelchair that opens doors and brings things within reach.Reaches what is too high, too low or too far away
Tested in AachenBusBuddyRed means wrong bus, green means right bus. Often that is all it takes.Barrier-free from A to B — with an app that only needs two colours
Concept and pilotLearning platformAccessible knowledge for school classes — told by people with disabilities themselves.Getting to know disability through play
OngoingCritical social mediaThrough videos, images and text we put inclusion into everyone's head.Questioning what counts as normal
Several times a yearEventsWheelchair laser tag, panel discussions and biathlon: inclusion you can take part in.Attention — and trying it yourself
News
What is happening at Autak
Prototypes, events, press and people — in order, with the latest first.
Prototype
Second prototype goes into assembly
The milled aluminium parts for the second wheelchair have arrived. It will be the first one to survive presentations and load testing in parallel — the first prototype stays in the lab.
Product
BusBuddy tested on real bus routes
With support from the StädteRegion Aachen we tested the app on real bus routes. Red means the wrong bus, green the right one — and it worked straight away.
Event
On the road at CYBATHLON
Assistive technology in competition, developed with the people who use it. Exactly the attitude we build the wheelchair with.
Supporters
Our fantastic supporters
Without these partners there would be no prototype.
Get involved
Nobody takes barriers down alone
It is feedback from the community that lets us remove barriers for real. Come along — whether you want to solder, program or organise.
Become a member
Join the association and support the work for the long run.
Go to the membership formTeam meeting
Every Thursday at 18:15, open to everyone. Just drop in.
Join the video callDonate
100 % of your donation goes into the next prototype.
Donate via PayPal
Or by bank transfer
- Account holder
- Autak e.V.
- Bank
- Deutsche Skatbank
- IBAN
- DE76 8306 5408 0004 2950 99
- BIC
- GENODEF1SLR
Contact
Write to us
For ideas, suggestions or questions we are here for you. Think the wheelchair should look different, or fit in your small car? Tell us.
- Emailinfo@autak.org
- Phone+49 241 92133973
- AddressOttostraße 51A, 52070 AachenView on the map
- Team meeting every Thursday at 18:15meet.google.com/wmi-dshc-wqi