On today's episode prepare to be inspired as we explore the innovative world of mobility and assistive technology. We're joined by the visionaries shaping the future of mobility and accessibility, Todd Hargroder and Troy Tesmer, co-founders of Soul Mobility, Inc, winners of the 2023 RESNA IMPACT Award, and the brilliant minds behind the revolutionary PowerFlex technology.
Host: Dr. Mary Goldberg, Co-Director of the IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh
Guests: Todd Hargroder and Troy Tesmer, co-founders of Soul Mobility, Inc.
IMPACT Center | Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Transcript | PDF
Timestamps:
0:58 The IMPACT Award
2:31 How they got into the mobility space
9:43 Involvement in the field
13:02 Building a substantial product
17:50 Challenges during development
24:05 The future of power-assist
34:38 Never give up
SPEAKERS
Todd Hargroder, Troy Tesmer, Dr. Mary Goldberg
Mary Goldberg 00:03
The IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh supported by the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research proudly presents ImpacTech. On today's episode, "Empowering Mobility: The PowerFlex Revolution," prepare to be inspired and amazed as we explore the innovative world of mobility and assistive technology. Today, we're joined by the visionaries shaping the future of mobility and accessibility. Todd Hargroder and Troy Tesmer cofounders of Soul Mobility, Inc, and the brilliant minds behind the revolutionary PowerFlex technology. Listen as they guide us through their remarkable journey. Recorded remotely from my soundproof bedroom closet in Pittsburgh, PA, this is your host, Dr. Mary Goldberg, and welcome to our 23rd episode of the ImpacTech podcast series. The IMPACT Award given at the annual RESNA conference celebrates visionary creators in the field of assistive technology. This award seeks to honor groundbreaking products or services that hold immense promise at unlocking human potential and enabling individuals to surpass the confines of assistive technology, ultimately enhancing their independence and overall wellbeing. It applauds those who redefine the boundaries of what's achievable, merging innovation with compassion to craft a future that is inclusive and boundless. Today, we are privileged to have with us the winners of this esteemed award, Todd Hargroder and Troy Tesmer, the founders of Soul Mobility Inc, creators of the revolutionary PowerFlex technology. Soul Mobility's first product to market the PowerFlex will be an innovative power attachment that allows a manual wheelchair to be converted to a powerchair in under 30 seconds without tools or frame adapters. The power flex will allow pediatric and adult manual wheelchair users a two in one design providing the flexibility to either push their lightweight manual chair or go full power in a compact, discreet joystick driven powerchair when they choose. Todd and Troy, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you initially became interested in the field of assistive technology?
Todd Hargroder 02:31
At the age of 19, I had a motorcycle accident. At the time I was racing, professional motocross went over a jump that I had written 1000s of laps before. And that particular day went over the bars and sustained a C five six spinal cord injury. Again, that was the age of 19 which was 37 years ago. And throughout my rehabilitation process, I was issued a lot of product, some work most did not and I just started modifying things to better suit my my desire and my strive for independence. And one product led to another at the time I was going to outpatient therapy and people started asking me how can I get that and the light bulb went off and was like I might have something and started a business out of my parent's garage and over a 20 something year period grew that business which was called ADI actually started out as Accessible Designs Inc, and then shortened to ADI grew that company to be a leader in the mobility space, selling in over 23 countries and actually exiting that business in 2016 to Prime Mobility.
Troy Tesmer 03:45
Yeah, and I I entered the industry with a company called HP Performance Systems and they were a bicycle company. They actually did downhill mountain bike disc brakes, and they wanted to expand their business and they bought a a wheel company, mountain bikes, BMX bikes, and with any acquisition, you pick up some products you didn't necessarily want and one of those was wheelchair wheels. And I raised my hand and I said, Yeah, I'd love to manage that category in that business. And I started working in the wheelchair industry selling wheels and working to improve them. And I was at a trade show. And Todd rolled by with disc brakes and wheels, obviously. And I said I gotta I gotta get to know this guy. And Todd and I ended up being a supplier customer relationship. We formed a technology agreement, I developed some custom hubs and wheels for his product line. And being to small businesses, we started you know, working together and I would sit in his tradeshow booth at a lot of these industry trade shows like resin on ISS, you know, 15 years ago, and through that three day experience, you just become really great friends. And when I left that company, we remained friends I would continue to do business consulting with Todd, just helping him grow his business and do things. And we always wanted to work together. And when the opportunity came to get back in the industry and back into helping people and veterans and people with physical challenge, it's really in my career of 25 years in the area where I felt really fulfilled, where the products I was bringing to market, were really helping people and really advancing people to live a better life. You know, I've enjoyed all my jobs. But I really enjoyed the time, you know, when I was working with Todd and helping people in that capacity, so I jumped on it and joined Todd and 2022. As a full time partner in soul mobility.
Mary Goldberg 05:42
We're, of course here today to learn a little bit more about PowerFlex and highlight the super cool technology. But before we jump into power flex, I'm interested in learning a little bit more. Beyond Todd's personal experiences for their specific stories or interactions with individuals like vets and other people, as you suggest Troy, who experienced mobility challenges that had a profound impact on your approach to creating technologies like PowerFlex that we'll learn about here more soon, well
Todd Hargroder 06:13
As a person, pushing a chair for 37 years, full time for 30 years, this is something true. And I continue to work with the gap between a manual chair and a power chair, and why individuals like myself, and so many continue to push chairs, and there's great power assist out there. But there's a big gap on those power system, how they truly help somebody, one of the jokes I hear is, how do you tell the quads from the parents at the VA games. The parents are the ones with the smart drives, and the claws are the one pushing their chairs, you know, so there's a big gap. And for myself, I just couldn't see, or just a big power chair never fit into my life. From early on. First Days of rehab, I was, you know, at that time, I couldn't touch my nose. And you know, I didn't have the strength approach. And I, they wanted me to go into power chair. This was 1986 1987, when the only power chairs were the big E and J is these big silver chrome, you know, and as a person who just lost the ability to walk, the ability to ride a bike, the ability to do all these normal things, and an athlete at the time to then say no, you're gonna go into power chair, they just, you know, that was the last thing I had already lost so much, I wasn't going to lose that. So I was bound and determined to push my chair and the first couple of days, I might push two or three feet and be dead tired. But by the end of that week, I was able to push to rehab. And that just started my my quest my goal to to continue pushing independence and was a couple, probably six, seven months later, I was in a rehab center Dallas. And they brought one of the new Johnson and Johnson power bases. And it was a different design, it was a cool design. I'm like, Okay, I'll try that. And I actually use that chair for a couple of days. And they took it away from me because I put black marks all over the floor, throughout the hospital, going real faster on quarters. But that was my first entry into power chairs. And, you know, through my dad's mechanic shop, I mean, we've modified that seat, and then all kinds of things to it. So, you know, I think back to way back then I was seeking better power, mobility, but and over the years, I've designed and built many different types, but they were all for my personal use. And, you know, this go around, you know, it's a different story. We're tracking, we're doing all the right things, or FDA or, you know, all these different things to bring this to market. So the ones that I designed in the past were just hobbies, but they they, you know, I consider those prototypes to where we're at today. So it's been a long journey to, to, to the power flicks and where we're at today. And, you know, mentally physically and mechanically, it's been a long road to get to where we are. And because we're pre FDA, we're we're in a we haven't had a lot of people use the PowerFlex. But the ones that have you can see the light bulb go off instantly. Before Resona. And at Rasner was the first show that we we had it to where people could sit and it felt good to see those light bulbs go off. Troy, if you'd like to expand on that, please.
Troy Tesmer 09:43
Yeah, I'd say for me, I don't have a long background of people personally impacting my life that have physical challenge, luckily, but the 16 years I've spent with Todd off and on and kind of working in the community of the physically disabled. It's been It's been eye opening and whether it be in abilities, Expo VA games or wherever it is just to be able to see the resilience, the pride, the the enjoyment of, you know, new technology coming out for people to try and use and to really expand. And working with Todd, I've seen that same gap, I mean, there's just a whole lifestyle that is set up around a person's manual chair. And to take that lifestyle and kind of turn it upside down to move into, you know, a larger power chairs is significant. And it's a reality some people have to face. In addition, you see study after study after study of the ergonomics of pushing, and how hard that is, and what it does to a person's body, shoulders, wrists joints. And we're really under the belief that a hybrid lifestyle will help prolong how long you can be in a manual chair. And just give you that ability to stay in that compact package for the long haul. And not have to make that critical life changing decision. But live a hybrid lifestyle, push when you want to go power when you need to. And after a long day, you can still get around your house and do what you need to if you have that power option, but it's shouldn't be an all or nothing game.
Todd Hargroder 11:25
And with coding and reimbursement, that's kind of what it is, you're either given a manual or power, you can receive a manual with power assist, but not you know, a manual Empower in a lot of different cases. So those folks those higher quads does, or higher parents kind of fall in that gap of really needing joystick control. And for the, for the last many, many months, it's been the Bluetooth technology, it's been that push rim activated, great technology for some, but it's leaving a lot of folks out are still pushing their chair, as I was.
Mary Goldberg 12:00
Going to take this back up to the higher level kind of related to your grand vision behind social mobility. You have your impactful personal experiences and hobbies, Todd, like you mentioned. And Troy, your experience in the industry and your business acumen. How do you envision leveraging your backgrounds and expertise to continue contributing to the field of assistive technology and improving the lives of individuals with mobility limitations?
Troy Tesmer 12:28
Yeah, I can jump in here first. You know, I think the combination that Todd and I brings is really interesting, you certainly have a visionary on one side of the equation that has the user experience, the background, and just a mind that has 30 years of figuring out how to get it done. And whether it's for his personal needs, or those of others, you know, he's he's built one company already and sold it. And then on my side, like you said, I kind of bring the business acumen. So I really consider myself like the integrator of the company. And our goal really, is to build this into substantial, that's not a one hit wonder. It's not just the PowerFlex. But there's a roadmap of innovation and technology that builds off phase one and, and can expand it to the international market where weight and portability, comm even more in need, the ability to you know, maybe break it apart into multiple sections, as well as to go into additional categories that, you know, maybe address the geriatric market that may be addressed the caregiver market. So it's about powered mobility, but not just this one product. This is a stepping stone for us to build a great company with great products that can really help those that are physically challenged. And really, our mission statement is about providing mobility solutions for the physically challenged not let's launch to PowerFlex. So I'm excited. That all starts with the first product getting up and going but then there's certainly a path to continued innovation and continued product development. All kinds of centered a little bit around the gap that's out there not getting into big power but into that power assist and options that are available for people to just to live their best life. And
Todd Hargroder 14:19
By all means there's a need for the powerchairs. But there's we feel like this is going to fill that gap and promote even more folks to use power not taken away from the big power chair industry but just more folks that would continue to push I mean to give them the option, and I think it's going to be a game changer. As far as that term is way overused in my mind, but this truly fills that gap have given the person the option of manual or power, giving the person newly injured that today key or her might not be strong enough to push across key Campus. But if you give them that power chair full time power, then they're going to have to set up their their home, their dorm, their transportation, everything around that. And it changes your life. You know, think of travel with the power chair, you have to go from A to B, you have to think of vans and lifts, and so on and so forth. With the hybrid lifestyle, you're able to rent a car or rent a vehicle, with assistance, put the 100 pound power base in the back. And, again, you have the best of both worlds manual and choice driven driven power. But you know, to answer your original question, Mary, I, I'll continue to do what I've done in the past user inspired designs. As Troy mentioned, I have a mind the ability to think through and solve problems. And as a person in a chair, I mean, this we'll live, you just can't some some days, you just can't make this stuff up. The things that happened to us, you're like, really, you know, this really happened today. But you know, it is what it is, and you have to deal with it and keep moving forward. And, and I've been blessed with that mind and the ability to deal with the adversity and, and, you know, work out solutions. And a lot of that is just through good design, good simple designs that may take, you know, one or two pain points away little pain points. But if you add that up throughout the day, that that adds to a lot, you know, 30 minutes, 40 minutes saved, but just a lot of wear and tear on the body as well. And, you know, when I design I don't only think of myself, I think of care providers, family members, and so forth, because we're all in this together. And if they're not happy, the individual is not going to be as happy. So it's important for everybody's mental and physical safety to do things right.
Mary Goldberg 16:48
Thank you, Todd. So the product gap for PowerFlex is very evident in the way that you describe it, Todd, what gave you the actual idea of the innovation and the mechanics behind it?
Todd Hargroder 17:01
I had built a couple of power chairs. And, you know, we kept trying to make them smaller and smaller. And the first ones were power chair bases that we would weld, fabricate brackets, mount them to existing power bases. And one day it was like, No, we have to build a power base around my manual chair, you know, I think I lay down the goals of no bigger, you know, it has to be the exact same footprint as my manual chair, which is right height, which is doped, which is with CG, I wanted it to feel exactly the way I was in my manual chair. And that's what we've accomplished. Our goal, this power base keeps you in the exact same space, as if you were in your manual chair with the manual wheels on it. So the transition is seamless from one to the other. And that was the goal of the project. And then we've succeeded, along with adding suspension and manual tilt and some other great features.
Troy Tesmer 18:04
Yeah, I think the aha moment for me is when I saw how it integrated through the axle receivers of the chair, because that's where you're, that's where everything pivots around, and operates from when you're in that chair have the ability to move over a threshold to be able to wheelie a little bit, the ability to control your dump. And a lot of the other products on the market we're seeing, they're great technologies, but they change your position just a little bit. And, you know, front loading a caster on a couple of the designs isn't a great situation. So when I saw the integration through that axle and the ability to pivot around your wheel center point, to me, that was the the really the crux of the design that really made it say we have something here. And then we put an anti tip bar on the back of it. But this anti tip buyers really ended up being a manual tilt. And no other product out there gives you the ability, any time of the day to tilt back and pressure relief just a little bit. And to me, you know, that could be as big of a feature that wasn't intended initially, that Todd has always done that with His disc brakes. And any any picture you see of Todd is leaning against a palm tree or something over the last 30 years. So those two things just really make it a slick package that just differentiates itself from everybody else that little bit.
Mary Goldberg 19:36
Thanks so much. You guys make it sound you know, both the development process and the product development itself. sound so easy and apparent. I figured there may be more to the story as there is for most innovators. Could you share some of the challenges you faced during the development phase of PowerFlex and how you ended up overcoming them?
Todd Hargroder 20:00
Wow, that can be a while. I mean, it looks easy. I joke, you know, designing and building. That's the easy part. But then anything beyond that and making money out, it's the hard part. So we've had challenges. We're continuing through Troy, if you want to pick this up. Yeah,
Troy Tesmer 20:17
I'm happy to, you know, like, like Todd said, designing the product sometime is easy. For those that have the mind for it. I think the two big hurdles we've really come over in the last year is we did a pretty good exercise of design for manufacturability. And that there were certain parts of the component tree that were just really driving cost and cost as king as we get this to market and put it through the channels. So working with our supply base, and finding that contract manufacturer that can partner with us was really critical. And doing those design reviews. And then a second, between our last two rounds of prototyping. I personally got a very hands on experience with the product as I was building these up primarily, you know, here at my house as a startup, and I've converted my garage to a shop and we've got everything tooled up. And as I was going through this, I was really putting on the hat of the clinician, and anybody parent caregiver, that's going to setup this initially out of the box. And in my background, we would do whole studies on this of what is the out of box experience. And it's so important to that first impression. And we made, I want to say five to seven really critical changes in this last design review, to get it where the setup is literally a couple of nuts and bolts that need to be loosened and adjusted with the tape measure as measurement guides. And those were some of the big hurdles in my mind of getting that really streamline cost for the supply base. And then making it as easy as we can for the clinician because Todd already had the usability down. You know, we fine tune the usability a little bit. But those other two areas were really, you know, big hurdles for us that I was pretty proud of, once we accomplish them.
Troy Tesmer 22:14
And small little things that nobody else will see. But as engineer geeks, you know geeked out over ways of running cable just to make it better. I mean, just little details make a product great.
Mary Goldberg 22:26
You mentioned these illuminating. And I'll say pun intended there light bulb moments at the different trenches. Could you share a specific success story or a memorable moment from either that setting or elsewhere that highlights the transformative power of PowerFlex.
Troy Tesmer 22:43
I have two that I love if you want me to go. And I'll probably steal Todd's thunder a little bit but I we built one up recently for Fiesta and a friend of Todd's to us temporarily for the day. Longtime pusher slowing down a little bit. And, and talking after that day of enjoying Fiesta for the entire day and going on probably a 10 plus mile all day push but power. Now, it was that the user feedback that I took as the aha moment it was really the wife who participated with him that day. And he said, you know, for 20 years, I've walked a foot and a half behind your chair. Because I've always known you might need a little help. A little push, a little transition, a little safety, you know, and today, I was able to be free and dance and be out in front of you and not be worried about you. And to me it's like it's more than just the user. It's the entire family and the caregivers that are involved in this journey. And that was really a light bulb moment of transformative product design. And Todd, I'll let you go on another one here.
Todd Hargroder 24:05
Well, I guess I hadn't thought of Jeff but that that was a big one. Another one for me was Troy and we were at the VA and Tabb green who's a very seasoned occupational therapist, worked for quantum work for a lot of different companies and sat in it. And the first thing he did was he went to push because he felt like he was in a manual chair. And then he tilted back for the wheat, you know, for the manual tilt system. And you could just see it on his face. He's like, wow, this is great. I feel like I'm going to manufacture and that doesn't I mean, and multiple times when we've taken it to people you know when they sit in it and think you're in a manual chair, and I've done that myself. I've transitioned from my power flex into my manual chair. And then I'm reaching around trying to find that the controller because I feel like I'm still in my power flex. So I get Aha moments quite off. And just last week, a buddy of mine was down here, pushing his chair and just struggling. And I saw myself in him so much that it was like, you know, buddy, what are you gonna give that up? And he's, he was ready. So he's getting fitted for one fairly soon.
Mary Goldberg 25:19
These are awesome stories. Thank you so much. innovations like Power Flex can significantly improve accessibility and inclusivity. How do you envision the future of ATS and mobility solutions, particularly considering the rapid advancements in technology, so this could be powerful X ray, or, or whatever else you see in the future? Well,
Todd Hargroder 25:41
Well, I truly see power assist, as one of the largest sectors increasing, it's in our industry, and the science behind it, the technology behind it, you know, our hopes is that the reimbursement catches up with it.
Troy Tesmer 25:56
Yeah, and I'll expand a little bit on that as well, we, I have been seeing a ton of advancement. And I think it's great. And I'll all the innovations are needed. And because everybody has a different need and a different pro and con. At the three major trade shows this year, every single session had at least one educational session on the benefits and technologies of power assessed. And it's just something that's getting the focus and for for the right reasons. As we talked to therapists and clinicians were hearing clearly the philosophy from 20 years ago of if you don't push, you'll lose it. And you have to push for life is really changing into hmm, maybe that wasn't the right decision, as we see a lot of shoulder surgeries and, you know, taller up shoulders and rotator cuff and wrist joints. And they're starting to see the advantages of prescribing any type of power assessed, and our, you know, power flex type device earlier, if not even at initiation of injury, which is just great to see. You know, as Todd said, you know, the coding might font might take a little bit to follow. But we're seeing eyes open across the industry, not just what the user, not just what the OEMs. But what the therapist as well, you know, looking back at history to say we need to make better decisions for the people in this space.
Mary Goldberg 27:28
We've talked a lot about the challenges to the product development side and kind of actual translation of the product to market. But building a successful startup is also no small feat, as you both have experienced, could you share some advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact in assistive technology or any other field really.
Todd Hargroder 27:49
Go for it Troy.
Troy Tesmer 27:51
Yeah, I think we've, I have a long laundry list of already, if I could do it over again. And one of the biggest things, and this is unique because Todd came to us to me with with a design that was relatively already thought out, right, as a user. And I think for that startup company, the critical thing is getting out early to interview and to really to get to know your customer, your end user and the stakeholders who might impact that buying decision. And so often, I think founders run way too long. And way too hard on an idea they think is great. Before really getting out and talking to that population. Todd and I went to the 2020 ISS up in Vancouver, I mean, and started vetting this idea with clinicians and users and people. And that was really the turning point of when I said I'm in I want to do this is I could see the light bulb going on, I could see the feedback, I could see people going, what is that? And, and I can see the need. So that would really be you know, my advice is, before you spend the hundreds of 1000s of dollars developing your product, make sure you have the right product that's gonna fit the user need. Then after that it's just grit determination and a heck of a lot of hard work.
Mary Goldberg 29:19
That's it the tenacity piece, right? The tenacity test? Yeah.
Todd Hargroder 29:26
Funding is a big part of this as well. And, you know, we're working with accelerators, we're working with some of the investment groups and, you know, that's a whole different language. And it's, it's, it's, you know, for somebody who's always self funded, I've all my previous businesses, and with this go around, I wanted to do something different. I want to want to be properly funded so so we can truly accelerate. And that's one of the phases we're in now is to to seek that funding. We have our long term vision laid out. And we have that roadmap, we know where we're going, and we're gonna get there. But the more the more funds we have at this stage, the more fuel we'll have to stomp on that gas and get to our destination much quicker to the journey, not the destination, I guess.
Mary Goldberg 30:17
Yeah. So before we close, I'm going to return to power flex for a moment specifically about the key collaborations you see, or partnerships that you're really excited about in expanding its reach and impact. And, you know, you mentioned that you're really committed to not building this one hit wonder. And so I'm equally interested in what is in store for phase two.
Troy Tesmer 30:45
I can answer that from two different standpoints. One is, you talked about the different avenues. And certainly our go to market, we have a couple of different sectors that are, you know, really interesting, but if you start mapping out the persona of the different people, remember, the PowerFlex can adapt from a pediatric chair, all the way to a 20 inch, you know, larger adult chair. So if we look at the pediatric market, you know, you have a whole persona of a child that's going to school trying to get an education trying to stay focused while being, you know, energy and charged. That you know, then you have a teenager trying to maybe go to university, and then you have the aging adult, which we talked about and focused on, you know, shoulders wearing out. But these other personas have a need and a journey as well. And then the VA, as we start looking at returning veterans that are new to an injury, you know, Todd was told, you will never push a chair. And he said, the hell I'm not. And, you know, he had been a motocross football player, you know, active person? Well, it took him two and a half years, I believe it was Todd right to push his first time into his therapy session alone. So what happens during those first two years that a person's building up to strength, he's relying on a lot of people to help him. Well, if he had the technology, about PowerFlex, that person could spend 30 seconds to convert his chair. And he could be independent for hours at a time and to get to his appointments to to get back to school to do what he needs to, and then convert back to manual to push to get his exercise to get his energy to get to that lifestyle. But there's a big bridge at injury to you know, being able to push that we're hoping to be able to cross. So I mean, that's a little bit of that answer. And then I think the roadmap as we've talked about, is how do we get you know, smaller, faster, not necessarily speed, and lighter. Portability is big, there's a reason we're using some of the technology we're using. But there the bike industry can have a lot with brushless motors and lithium ion and things like that, that we certainly want to get to, for that version to to get to a product that a person can with a one person left. So you know, right now we're 100 pounds. So it's a two person left if you need to get this into your trunk. So really the next product is about, you know, lightweight and a little bit more portability.
Mary Goldberg 33:24
And lastly, what message or words of encouragement would you like to share with our audience, especially those who may be directly impacted by mobility impairments or are passionate about assistive technologies? And we can start with you, Troy.
Troy Tesmer 33:39
Yeah, I hate to give the the obvious answer, but it's advocacy, right? So I mean, you have to advocate for what you believe is best for your situation and your needs. And it's from the family, to the user to everybody to get the technology you want. So do your research. You know, certainly when you're newly entered, you rely on the clinician, your world's been turned upside down and those professionals that are helping you you know, but do your research Know Your Rights especially as you know, pediatrics and, and vocational health of getting back to work, and really push for what's best for your lifestyle. It's easy for me to say my camera's not on but I am an able bodied individual. And sometimes I get looked at a little sideways as what do you know about the industry and all we can do is advocate and help those that are in our lives to live their best life but that would probably be my my biggest takeaway.
Mary Goldberg 34:35
Thank you. And how about you, Todd?
Todd Hargroder 34:38
Yeah, that's that's a two part. I mean, for both never give up. I mean, this isn't easy. And I say this often as a guy in a chair. I have it probably as good as somebody can. I've worked very hard to be where I'm at, but it's still not easy and and Uh, you know, from the very beginning, I can see, as I see five, six, quad, I can see individuals much worse off than I. And I remember that every day. But that pushes me to continue to do what I do. And, you know, for those individuals that are laying in rehab right now, and, you know, thinking they're there, their worlds over, it's not over, but it certainly has changed. But there's great technology out there for us all. And fortunately, there's great people like you all, and Troy and others, able bodied people that are so dedicated to this industry, to assistive technology that, you know, we're going to continue to, to advance and continue to, to help individuals of all walks of life to achieve their their goals to achieve maximum independence.
Mary Goldberg 35:49
I have the multimedia advantage here where I'm able to see Todd, he's visiting us from his actual kind of workshop space, would you be able to show us show me the updated product kind of in enough detail that that listeners could really appreciate? And kind of visualize what it looks like and any tech enhancements or advancements that that are most recent selfishly, because I've gotten to see the product before.
Todd Hargroder 36:16
So just to get a clarification, you're asking on specifics about the power flex itself, or, or to try to explain what it looks like or functions like, okay, in audio.
Mary Goldberg 36:32
Exactly, yeah. So if you happen to have one around all the better, like, are you using it right now, in a way that I that I would be able to see it? And if not, could you just describe it for our listeners.
Todd Hargroder 36:42
So I guess I am, I am sitting in our prototype number six. And it is a great fully functioning wonderful power flex. And as you can see, it's small, compact, I have my my hand rims, everything, again, is the exact same footprint, as if I was in my manual chair, my whole home apartment workspace is set up to work with my manual chair and I'm able to do and going everywhere I go the same in my manual and war power.
Mary Goldberg 37:18
Yeah, and I can tell the listeners, you know, it's it's such a super sleek product, I got to ride it around an expo hall. And it was so fun. It's got a ton of power behind it. Again, too many puns, I guess in this in this expo, but you just give it a little go and boy does it fly. I have a six year old who would do some some crazy damage. I think on this chair, it's super awesome, has a really narrow frame, it's very compact, that turn radius is super tight. Your workshop is fairly tight there too. And I can appreciate how much mobility and flexibility you have there when using it. So thank you, thanks for describing it. That was awesome.
Todd Hargroder 37:58
And just to expand on that the design is a mid wheel drive. So it does turn on a dime, it will turn pretty much a 183 60 within its within its footprint, which which certainly allows better maneuverability within those tight spaces of a home. Office. Gotcha clothing store. Yeah. Imagine how tight all those aisles and things are when you're out and about in the real world shopping and you know this, this certainly helps.
Mary Goldberg 38:27
Yes, especially those small spaces and in in small stores. Yep, absolutely. So where can our listeners learn more? Is there a particular website that you direct folks to? Or would they be able to get directly in contact with you?
Troy Tesmer 38:42
Absolutely, they can go to our website, www.soul-mobility.com.
Mary Goldberg 38:49
Wonderful. Thank you so much, Todd and Troy for being here today. Great chatting with both of you and sharing your incredible journey with us. We look forward to hearing more soon.
Troy Tesmer 38:59
Awesome. I appreciate your time, Mary and much appreciated.
Todd Hargroder 39:03
Thank you very much IMPACT Center.
Mary Goldberg 39:08
If you'd like ImpacTech Please review us on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you again for tuning in and continue to make an impact in whatever you do. A quick note from our sponsors. impact initiatives are being developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research. NIDILRR's A center within the Administration for Community Living Department of Health and Human Services. IMPACT initiatives do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government and the same goes for the University of Pittsburgh. We would like to thank our ImpacTech guests and our production team led by Dr Michelle Zorrilla at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology.