In a remarkable display of innovation and social responsibility, students at the Instituto Federal de São Paulo (IFSP) campus in Sorocaba have developed a prototype electric wheelchair that stands out for its low cost and creative use of materials. The project repurposes parts from electric skateboards, also known as hoverboards, which were seized by Brazil's Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) as part of its operations against illicit activities like drug trafficking and smuggling.
The initiative, which began in 2021 under the guidance of electro-electronics professor Sérgio Shimura, has evolved through several iterations. The current model utilizes two motors and a belt-driven system for movement and steering. A key partnership with the Receita Federal's Sorocaba office provided the project with 37 confiscated electric skateboards, offering a sustainable source of components. This collaboration is part of a broader effort, with the agency having previously donated approximately 6,000 mini-computers to the institution in November 2025.
The project's significance was highlighted when the prototype was presented to Brazil's President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during his visit to inaugurate the IFSP's new campus in April. Beyond basic functionality, the team is actively researching advanced control interfaces to enhance accessibility. Their goal is to integrate technologies such as eye-tracking systems and breath-controlled commands, enabling individuals with severe motor limitations to operate the wheelchair independently.
A central focus of the project is its dramatically reduced production cost. By reusing seized components and employing 3D-printed parts, the students can manufacture a single unit for a fraction of the price of a commercial electric wheelchair. Student José Guilherme highlighted the economic impact, noting that the cost of one market-available chair could fund the production of around 40 of their prototypes. This cost efficiency makes the technology viable for widespread deployment in public settings like health clinics and schools.
The team is now refining the design to improve performance, battery life, and user experience. Professor Shimura outlined the vision for the project's future, which includes finalizing a robust design that ensures good maneuverability. The ultimate aim is to create an open-source project, potentially offering a do-it-yourself kit. This would allow individuals anywhere in Brazil, or even globally, to download the plans and assemble the wheelchair locally using a purchased hoverboard and the provided instructions.
This student-led endeavor exemplifies how academic projects can merge technological education with tangible social impact, transforming seized contraband into tools for empowerment and inclusion. Based on reporting from g1.