Wheelchair with Communication System

Made:
2016
maker:
Permobil
modifier:
Stephen Hawking
Wheelchair with Communication System Wheelchair with Communication System Wheelchair with Communication System Wheelchair with Communication System Wheelchair with Communication System

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Wheelchair with Communication System
Stephen Hawking Estate/Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Wheelchair with Communication System
Stephen Hawking Estate/Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Wheelchair with Communication System
Stephen Hawking Estate/Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Wheelchair with Communication System
Stephen Hawking Estate/Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Wheelchair with Communication System
Stephen Hawking Estate/Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Permobil model F3 Corpus wheelchair, built ca. 2016. Multiple custom-built modifications and attachments including: intel-branded laptop holder with custom-wiring; communications electronics in black modules attached to the back; older-style joystick controller; custom-built foot-rests; carrier bag with varied contents.

Hawking kept up his ambitious schedule of scientific work, public appearances and international travel while living with motor neurone disease, a condition that affects the nerves and brain. To do so he was supported by technical innovations and a team of colleagues.

Jonathan Wood, Hawking’s technical assistant, notes that this was far more than a wheelchair – it was Hawking’s mobile office and communication system, and carried ventilation support to help him breathe. On the back you can see the black box for Hawking’s voice synthesiser.

The communications equipment, interfaces with computers, and mobility control alternations are in-house by Hawking's team. Different components of this set-up have been subsequently labelled.

Details

Category:
Stephen Hawking Office
Collection:
Stephen Hawking’s Office
Object Number:
2021-561/19/1
Materials:
metal (unknown), plastic (unidentified) and textile
Measurements:
overall: 1285 mm x 660 mm x 1420 mm, 157 kg
type:
wheelchair
taxonomy:
  • furnishing and equipment
  • furnishing - artefact
  • furniture
  • seating furniture
  • chair
credit:
Accepted in lieu of Inheritance Tax by H M Government from the Estate of Stephen Hawking and allocated to the Science Museum, 2021