Independence takes many forms, and for a lot of people, it means being able to live alone. For people with disabilities and mobility impairments, this often involves “hacking” their homes: modifying surfaces, installing ADA-approved hardware, and using clinical devices to fill in the gaps. But the options available to them are limited, and usually involve medical devices which were designed for a hospital environment, not a home. Why aren’t assistive devices designed to fit into our homes?

Relay is a suite of stylish robotic furniture that is designed to fill this gap. Each piece of furniture is able to carry out simple but meaningful tasks for its owner, from carrying heavy items around the home, to helping someone stand up from a seated position, to providing extra support and stability while walking from room to room. Relay robots respond to intuitive voice commands, but people can also interact with them through a variety of interfaces that accommodate a broad range of ability and disability.

Relay aims to help disabled people live more independently, without making aesthetic sacrifices.