At REHACARE in Düsseldorf, Germany, two-time Olympic cycling champion Kristina Vogel is visiting the Robooter booth to try its wheelchairs.
She’s been invited to explore the latest products, and she’s curious about where they might fit into her life once the exhibition is over.
“I’ll show you what I tried, because it’s really fun,” she says.
(„Ich zeige euch einfach mal, was ich da so habe, weil’s echt witzig ist.“)
Kristina has used a wheelchair since a training accident in 2018. As she talks through her experience, everyday plans begin to enter the conversation. Taking the dog out is one of them.
Trying the E60 GT Pro
She begins with the E60 GT Pro, an electric wheelchair designed for everyday mobility.
For someone who feels hesitant about heading outdoors, she can see how electric assistance might help.
For herself, she imagines having another option for an outing with the dog—or for a time when pushing her manual wheelchair takes more effort.
“When I simply can’t roll as well anymore, then it might also be quite suitable,” she says.
(„Wenn ich einfach nicht mehr so gut rollen kann, dann passt es vielleicht auch ganz gut.“)
Considering Driving Assistance
The driving assistance gives her something else to consider. Kristina describes the chair checking its surroundings and helping with obstacles such as walls or people approaching. It reminds her a little of a Tesla.
Her interest quickly moves from technology to who might use it. If someone’s hands don’t react as quickly, that assistance could be particularly welcome. The possibility earns an enthusiastic response.
“Now we are talking.”
(„Das ist halt geil. Now we are talking.“)
Standing with the XZ-droid Smart
The XZ-droid Smart, a standing wheelchair that supports users in standing and moving around, brings a different experience into focus.
“I can look people in the eyes,” Kristina says of talking while standing. “That is a completely different experience.”
(„Erst mal, dass ich halt Menschen so in die Augen schauen kann, so stehend. Das ist irgendwie auch ’ne ganz andere Erfahrung.“)
She feels secure during the trial, too. When asked, she confirms, “I do feel safe.” Soon she’s considering a place for it at home.
“This standing wheelchair—I’m really considering getting one for home.”
(„Und dieser Stehrollstuhl – da überlege ich mir echt was für zu Hause.“)
Everyday Tasks at Home
And then she mentions the dishwasher.
Unloading it means handling glasses, and she knows the difficulty of that familiar task. A dropped glass can leave broken pieces to deal with. As she tries the standing wheelchair, she considers how it might help her manage the job.
Her thoughts move easily between the two experiences—talking to someone at eye level and getting the dishes put away. Both belong to the same day. Both give her a reason to look more closely at what the chair could offer.
She also has a measured view of how much assistance an active person might want. A useful option for certain tasks, even if it wouldn’t be her choice for everything.
“It may not be for every active person,” she says, “but perhaps it can be used as an additional aid.”
(„Also, ist vielleicht nicht für jeden Aktiven was, aber man kann es vielleicht dazu machen.“)
Looking Ahead with Everyday Life in Mind
Kristina’s connection with Robooter goes back several years. This visit gives her another chance to explore what’s new, with familiar routines in mind.
The conversation begins at an exhibition booth and keeps finding its way outdoors, into the kitchen, and toward the years ahead.
Those are the everyday needs Robooter wants its technology to serve.
As the company develops new wheelchairs and intelligent assistance, its aim is to help people “to regain their freedom, dignity, and independence,” to get around more confidently and do more for themselves, with support that fits their lives.
“And none of us are getting any younger, right?” Kristina adds.
(„Und wir werden ja alle nicht jünger, ne?“)
What suits us today may change. Trying something new gives her a chance to consider those choices before she needs to make them.
“I’m basically just showing you what is possible.”
(„Ich zeig euch quasi einfach mal, was geht.“)
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E60 Pro GT vs E60 Pro-A: What's New? | Robooter Wheelchairs