Toyota Revives Stair-Climbing iBOT Wheelchair

Inventor Dean Kamen's stair-climbing iBOT wheelchair is making a comeback.

In partnership with Toyota Motor North America, DEKA Research and Development will launch a next-generation motorized chair.

The revolutionary device—with two sets of powered wheels that rotate to "walk" up and down stairs—originally retailed for $25,000, but was discontinued in 2009 due to poor sales. Now, with the support of Toyota, those with mobility issues will enjoy more freedom to climb stairs and "stand" upright.

"Our company is very focused on mobility solutions for all people," Osamu "Simon" Nagata, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Toyota Motor North America, said in a statement. "We realize that it is important to help older adults and people with special needs live well and continue to contribute their talents and experience to the world."

The wheelchair allows users to rise from a low sitting level to around 6 feet high—putting them about eye-level with their peers. It also boasts the ability to travel through a "wide variety" of terrains, from smooth surfaces to rocky expanses.

In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration reclassified the iBOT from a Class III to a Class II medical device, allowing DEKA to revive the concept.

"Toyota and DEKA share the same vision of making mobility available to people of every kind of ability," Kamen (pictured) said. "We are excited about this new relationship and excited about what it means for making that dream a reality."

Announced at the Paralyzed Veterans of America's 70th Annual Convention, the deal also allows Toyota to license DEKA's balancing tech for rehabilitative therapy and "potentially other purposes."

"The companies continue to engage in ongoing discussions about how Toyota can further support DEKA and its mobility assistance technology," the car maker said.