Creating a measurable impact with Centaur Robotics’ award-winning mobility vehicle
Dec 7, 2023
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CEO of Centaur Robotics discusses their electric mobility vehicle designed to provide more freedom for individuals with restricted mobility. The company aims to make their vehicles aesthetically pleasing and agile, with the ability to maneuver in unique areas. They have received recognition and grants, and have partnered with Emirates Airlines. The podcast also covers their current fundraising campaign and future goals, including bringing the vehicle to market by 2024.
Centaur Robotics aims to target a market five to ten times larger than the current wheelchair user population by offering an innovative vehicle that appeals to individuals who reject traditional wheelchair designs.
Centaur Robotics demonstrates a clear focus on creating measurable social impact alongside financial returns, prioritizing sustainability, responsible practices, and enhancing accessibility through partnerships with airlines, hotels, and other industries.
Deep dives
Overview of Centaur Robotics and its Founder
Centaur Robotics is a robotics company that specializes in creating innovative mobility solutions. The company was founded by David Ranj, who was inspired by his son's needs due to cerebral palsy. To design a better solution, he partnered with Paul Campbell, a former Ford designer with personal experience in restricted mobility. Together, they created a cutting-edge vehicle that stands out for its safety features, unparalleled agility, and stunning design. The vehicle's ability to elevate also allows for eye-to-eye conversations, providing a sense of dignity for its users.
Market Opportunities and Revenue Generation
Centaur Robotics aims to target not only existing wheelchair and mobility scooter users but also individuals who reject the current wheelchair designs. In the UK alone, there are 6 million people who require assistance to walk 400 meters and 1 million wheelchair users. By offering a unique and innovative product, Centaur Robotics taps into a market five to ten times larger than the current wheelchair user population. Additionally, the company introduces a business model innovation by offering mobility as a service, allowing people to rent the vehicles for short periods of time in various locations such as retirement communities, airports, cruise ships, museums, and hotels. These revenue generation channels, along with strong year-on-year growth and significant margins, position Centaur Robotics to achieve attractive financial returns.
Impact Investing and ESG Focus
Centaur Robotics demonstrates a clear focus on creating measurable social impact alongside financial returns, making it an appealing opportunity for impact investors. By providing an impressive mobility solution, the company aims to improve the quality of life and mental well-being of wheelchair users, combatting social stigma and promoting social engagement. Moreover, Centaur Robotics prioritizes sustainability and responsible practices by offering a recycling program for end-of-life vehicles and using environmentally friendly materials. Through partnerships with airlines, hotels, and other industries, Centaur Robotics also aims to enhance accessibility, creating a better customer experience and driving ticket sales. These initiatives align with the principles of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, and contribute to the company's vision of doing good while generating strong financial returns.
The UK Investor Magazine was delighted welcome Eric Kihlstrom, CEO of Centaur Robotics, for a deep-dive into their electric mobility vehicle designed to give people more freedom.
6 million people in the UK and 34 million in the US can’t walk 400 metres. Centaur’s mission is to provide an aesthetically pleasing mobility vehicle with a high level of agility that is able to manoeuvre in areas alternatives can’t.
The management team includes executives with decades of experience at Ford and leading the UK government’s efforts in longevity and helping people in later life.
The company has been engaged by Emirates Airlines to help boost bookings by providing a better customer experience for people with mobility impairment. Centaur’s aim is for their vehicles to be used on cruise ships, museums, and other public venues.
The product has been displayed at the Victoria & Albert Museum, won various design awards, and received three grants from Innovate UK.
One of Britain’s greatest Paralympic athletes, Tanni Grey-Thompson, is an ambassador and has said Centaur gives her “the freedom to do what you want, when you want.”
The current Seedrs campaign will provide the funds to take their product to market and start generating revenue.