Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SIRENA (Novel electric stair climber to break barriers in transport of disabled people and goods through a safe, quick and comfortable movement)
Reporting period: 2019-04-01 to 2020-03-31
The Challenge: Climbing up and downstairs is one of the most difficult and restrictive challenges for people with disabilities. One of six people in the EU has a disability. 10-20% of them face barriers and reduced accessibility. Seventy million people globally need a wheelchair. Over a third of people aged over 75 have disabilities.
Our solution: SIRENA, the only transportable electric stair climber able to guarantee the meeting of the everyday social needs. A transportable and universal solution able to climb any type of stairs (step height 0 to 24 cm, slope up to 85%, round edge) in a quick (30 step/min), safe and comfortable way.
TGR is an Italian company with more than 40 years of experience in the field of stair climbers. Over 50.000 people with reduced mobility have benefitted from our products, improving their welfare. With SIRENA, we want to become a technological reference among stair climbers with a unique and universal solution able to climb any type of stairs in a quick, safe and comfortable way, improving the living conditions of millions of citizens in Europe and around the world. Competitors’ devices cannot guarantee a stable movement or climb any type of stair, whereas the stability offered by SIRENA on the stairs -even when inclined- is succeeded through the exclusive innovation introduced by TGR.
The main objective of this H2020 SME Phase 2 project was to ensure that TGR meets the technical, commercial, regulatory and financial requirements for successful industrialisation and commercialisation of SIRENA from 2020. The final prototype has been properly prepared and delivered to testing labs in Hannover, while with the support of Bugnion SpA the IPR that involved both new Sirena machine and TGR brand logo was properly developed and deposited.
The new production line is ready to release as much units as our audience will require. We are proud to say that the whole production cycle has been precisely defined and the quality of the system will be successfully proved also by new technical machinery that will print a test result for each unit produced and released to final audience or customer.
The supply process will be supported not only by our consolidated sales force and network but also through the newly acquired commercial channels (associations of disabled, nursing homes, pharmacies).
By the moment, despite having identified a complementary market opportunity in the transport of freight, we considered as relevant to keep waiting the results and eventually also the new requirements that could be expressed by our customer. Thus, meaning we’ll likewise dedicate to transport of goods a new line that will arise as result of the future release SIRENA 2.0. This willing in principle gives us the opportunity to further study competitors and potential new devices released on the market and release a more customized and customer-oriented product. At now, we are happy to confirm that SIRENA will contribute to smarter global mobility, promote social tourism and break barriers in the transport of disabled people and remain eager to see what will be able to bring in the field of transport of goods.
Our solution: SIRENA, the only transportable electric stair climber able to guarantee the meeting of the everyday social needs. A transportable and universal solution able to climb any type of stairs (step height 0 to 24 cm, slope up to 85%, round edge) in a quick (30 step/min), safe and comfortable way.
TGR is an Italian company with more than 40 years of experience in the field of stair climbers. Over 50.000 people with reduced mobility have benefitted from our products, improving their welfare. With SIRENA, we want to become a technological reference among stair climbers with a unique and universal solution able to climb any type of stairs in a quick, safe and comfortable way, improving the living conditions of millions of citizens in Europe and around the world. Competitors’ devices cannot guarantee a stable movement or climb any type of stair, whereas the stability offered by SIRENA on the stairs -even when inclined- is succeeded through the exclusive innovation introduced by TGR.
The main objective of this H2020 SME Phase 2 project was to ensure that TGR meets the technical, commercial, regulatory and financial requirements for successful industrialisation and commercialisation of SIRENA from 2020. The final prototype has been properly prepared and delivered to testing labs in Hannover, while with the support of Bugnion SpA the IPR that involved both new Sirena machine and TGR brand logo was properly developed and deposited.
The new production line is ready to release as much units as our audience will require. We are proud to say that the whole production cycle has been precisely defined and the quality of the system will be successfully proved also by new technical machinery that will print a test result for each unit produced and released to final audience or customer.
The supply process will be supported not only by our consolidated sales force and network but also through the newly acquired commercial channels (associations of disabled, nursing homes, pharmacies).
By the moment, despite having identified a complementary market opportunity in the transport of freight, we considered as relevant to keep waiting the results and eventually also the new requirements that could be expressed by our customer. Thus, meaning we’ll likewise dedicate to transport of goods a new line that will arise as result of the future release SIRENA 2.0. This willing in principle gives us the opportunity to further study competitors and potential new devices released on the market and release a more customized and customer-oriented product. At now, we are happy to confirm that SIRENA will contribute to smarter global mobility, promote social tourism and break barriers in the transport of disabled people and remain eager to see what will be able to bring in the field of transport of goods.
The general overall project development went through some specific phases and needs. It was necessary to:
• Review the first prototype to finalize a final version destined to industrial scale production.
• Review the design of the final product and, particularly, of some specific parts touched by last “technical adaptations”, e.g. plastic body cover. Carry out all necessary Internal and External tests as to make sure no further update or adjustment was necessary and act coherently with the results.
• Review technical, mechanical and also electrical features, components and schemes as to be positively reviewed during Tüv tests.
• Continuous activity on Technical Folder as to finalize all relevant documents:
o Risk analysis
o Evaluation Vs. the regulatory Requirements:
2017/745/UE (Medical Device Regulation)
2006/42/CE (Machinery)
o User Manual
o Technical specification
Electrical/Electronic/software
Quality control.
In addition to the above, it was also practically necessary to produce the conditions and prerequisites to be able to produce the stair climber in a smooth, easy, controlled and repeatable way. To this purpose, our technical head designed and developed a dedicated production line as well as special and specific production tools.
We successfully validated the new product and, thanks to the activity managed by Mrs Toselli, all documents inhering the possibility to commercialize it were properly prepared; thus meaning catalogue, price list complete with spares, as well as promotional and marketing campaigns that were linked also to the web activity.
• Review the first prototype to finalize a final version destined to industrial scale production.
• Review the design of the final product and, particularly, of some specific parts touched by last “technical adaptations”, e.g. plastic body cover. Carry out all necessary Internal and External tests as to make sure no further update or adjustment was necessary and act coherently with the results.
• Review technical, mechanical and also electrical features, components and schemes as to be positively reviewed during Tüv tests.
• Continuous activity on Technical Folder as to finalize all relevant documents:
o Risk analysis
o Evaluation Vs. the regulatory Requirements:
2017/745/UE (Medical Device Regulation)
2006/42/CE (Machinery)
o User Manual
o Technical specification
Electrical/Electronic/software
Quality control.
In addition to the above, it was also practically necessary to produce the conditions and prerequisites to be able to produce the stair climber in a smooth, easy, controlled and repeatable way. To this purpose, our technical head designed and developed a dedicated production line as well as special and specific production tools.
We successfully validated the new product and, thanks to the activity managed by Mrs Toselli, all documents inhering the possibility to commercialize it were properly prepared; thus meaning catalogue, price list complete with spares, as well as promotional and marketing campaigns that were linked also to the web activity.
For many people around the world, stairways do represent an obstacle they must overcome to be able to go outside and enjoy daily life. This assumption is the basis of the market share in which it is possible to find mobile stair climbers and wall-mounted lifts or wall-crawler systems. Aiming to widen the range of mobile stair climbing solutions, we developed a new technology called SIRENA.
This new mini-track system can easily afford the most peculiar, challenging and different stairways, thus meaning straight, curved, and strongly inclined as well. SIRENA is a new concept of stair climber that is the result of a combination of all advantages offered by wheeled and tracks systems. It is a hybrid that thanks to its peculiar mini-tracks features can provide the psychological confidence of a track system combined with the agility of a wheeled solution.
Why did we opt for the mini-rubber tracks, and why should you? You should do that because, when people drive a wheeled system, they feel anxious about the idea of sleeping down the stairs out of control. This anxiety is a specific feeling that is very often associated with the wheeled systems, any of them. Now you can find a new solution on the market, a new concept. In essence, the SIRENA with its mini-tracks gives you the control of the situation because every rubber tooth has a secure grip on steps edge. You can feel and be sure SIRENA won’t ever slip away. Smooth, comfortable and safe movement on stairs is completely assured! You’ll feel more stable, safe and also capable to afford even stairways that for other stair climbers with tracks are actually beyond their capability. A rising number of people are opting for a mobile solution to avoid being trapped in their homes and widen their options for a normal and joyful life. The main advantage of SIRENA is that it is a loyal and reliable companion who can always be with you; while travelling, working and carrying out any daily activity. Sirena will support you in reaching your personal goals. You need only to disassemble it in two parts and take it always with you, also into the car.
To support you during your choice TGR offers professional counselling at your door, the best recommendation for your specific needs and a dedicated training course on how to operate the machine correctly in different environments and circumstances.
This new mini-track system can easily afford the most peculiar, challenging and different stairways, thus meaning straight, curved, and strongly inclined as well. SIRENA is a new concept of stair climber that is the result of a combination of all advantages offered by wheeled and tracks systems. It is a hybrid that thanks to its peculiar mini-tracks features can provide the psychological confidence of a track system combined with the agility of a wheeled solution.
Why did we opt for the mini-rubber tracks, and why should you? You should do that because, when people drive a wheeled system, they feel anxious about the idea of sleeping down the stairs out of control. This anxiety is a specific feeling that is very often associated with the wheeled systems, any of them. Now you can find a new solution on the market, a new concept. In essence, the SIRENA with its mini-tracks gives you the control of the situation because every rubber tooth has a secure grip on steps edge. You can feel and be sure SIRENA won’t ever slip away. Smooth, comfortable and safe movement on stairs is completely assured! You’ll feel more stable, safe and also capable to afford even stairways that for other stair climbers with tracks are actually beyond their capability. A rising number of people are opting for a mobile solution to avoid being trapped in their homes and widen their options for a normal and joyful life. The main advantage of SIRENA is that it is a loyal and reliable companion who can always be with you; while travelling, working and carrying out any daily activity. Sirena will support you in reaching your personal goals. You need only to disassemble it in two parts and take it always with you, also into the car.
To support you during your choice TGR offers professional counselling at your door, the best recommendation for your specific needs and a dedicated training course on how to operate the machine correctly in different environments and circumstances.