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
