Sunrise Medical is best known for manual wheelchairs, rollators and seating systems, but has become increasingly digital in recent years.
Sunrise Medical participated in the News Zone with Switch-It Vigo at Health & Rehab 2023 and won the "Product of the Year" award. Vigo makes it possible to control a wheelchair using sensors in a headset, giving wheelchair users who were previously dependent on a helper to get around the opportunity to become more self-sufficient.
Vigo is manufactured and sold by Sunrise Medical, one of the world's leading manufacturers of manual wheelchairs. According to Thomas Pliniussen, Managing Director of Sunrise Medical Denmark, digital products have become an integral part of the company.
"A large part of our business is still classic wheelchairs, but technological development gives us the opportunity to develop new products that make a positive difference in users' lives."
According to Thomas Pliniussen, there is particularly strong development in the areas of power-assist devices and electric wheelchairs. New technology in 3D-printed seating systems also provides better opportunities to customise products individually based on each user's needs.
Growth through acquisition
Sunrise Medical develops new high-tech products. However, the development work would often be too time-consuming for Sunrise Medical to carry out on its own. That is why they also keep a close eye on developments from small, innovative companies.
"There are many talented people out there inventing new products. Sometimes we see an exciting product that we think is a great fit for us."
Sunrise Medical is a global company with offices in 23 countries. This gives them contact with thousands of users and therapists, whom they actively consult when assessing whether a new technological invention meets a need in their target group.
"The most important thing for us is that new technological products help make life better and easier for users."
-- Thomas Pliniussen
Facts about Sunrise Medical
Sunrise Medical is a leader in the innovation, manufacture and distribution of advanced assistive products and mobility solutions. Key products include manual and powered wheelchairs, scooters, power-assist products, paediatric mobility and therapeutic devices, seating and positioning systems, and daily living products. Sunrise Medical Group operates in 23 countries, is headquartered in Germany and employs more than 2,700 people worldwide. The Danish organisation has 18 employees, with its head office in Taastrup and an office and showroom in Aarhus.