Award

Autonomous wheelchair system

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

02 Apr 2025 at 14:15

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh has completed a procurement process for an autonomous wheelchair system to support its research in autonomous mobility. Classified under "Invalid carriages, wheelchairs and associated devices," this procurement falls within the goods category and is located in Edinburgh, UK (region UKM75). The procurement method was limited, involving a direct award to Cyberworks Robotics without prior publication of a call for competition, citing technical reasons. The contract, valued at $106,800 USD, was signed on 20th March 2025, with the award stage now finalised.

This tender presents significant opportunities for suppliers specialising in advanced robotic systems and autonomous navigation technologies. Businesses with expertise in sensor integration, motorised wheelchair manufacturing, and autonomous software development are particularly well-suited to compete for such contracts. Companies capable of providing off-the-shelf products that are commercially available and maintainable will find growth opportunities, especially if they can offer robust long-term support and the ability to integrate external applications via APIs. Engaging in such contracts can enhance market exposure and technical development within the evolving field of autonomous mobility.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Start Free Trial Book a Demo
All Features Pricing

Notice Information

Notice Title

Autonomous wheelchair system

Notice Description

The University of Edinburgh seeks to procure an autonomous wheelchair system to support research in autonomous mobility. The system must be an off-the-shelf, commercially available, and maintainable solution capable of full autonomous navigation, with the following key requirements: 1. Base Wheelchair Requirements Motorized power wheelchair suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments Stable and ergonomic design to ensure safe autonomous operation Compatible with additional hardware/software for autonomous navigation integration 2. Autonomous Navigation System Sensor Suite: Odometry system for precise movement tracking IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for motion sensing Lidar-based environment mapping and real-time obstacle detection Depth cameras for enhanced spatial awareness and localization Onboard Computation & Interface: High-performance computing unit capable of processing sensor data in real-time User interface (e.g., touchscreen or equivalent) for system interaction and configuration 3. Navigation Software & API Requirements Autonomous navigation software with the following capabilities: Mapping & Localization - Ability to autonomously generate and use maps of the environment Route Teaching & Execution - Manual input of custom paths and automated path following Obstacle Avoidance & Safety Features - Intelligent real-time navigation ensuring safe maneuverability Configurable & Extendable API Access - The software must provide a documented API allowing for: External control via custom-developed applications Real-time access to navigation and sensor data Integration with additional robotics frameworks if required The software must support long-term usability, allowing for custom modifications, additional research integrations, and future feature expansions. 4. Compliance & Maintainability The system must be a commercially available product, not a prototype or experimental development Must have long-term support and maintenance available in case of request from us Hardware and software should be upgradeable to support evolving research needs 5. Additional Considerations Additional components and consumables such as batteries may be required Solution must provide detailed technical documentation and demonstrate previous successful deployments

Lot Information

Lot 1

Specification for Requirement The University of Edinburgh seeks to procure an autonomous wheelchair system to support research in autonomous mobility. The system must be an off-the-shelf, commercially available, and maintainable solution capable of full autonomous navigation, with the following key requirements: 1. Base Wheelchair Requirements Motorized power wheelchair suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments Stable and ergonomic design to ensure safe autonomous operation Compatible with additional hardware/software for autonomous navigation integration 2. Autonomous Navigation System Sensor Suite: Odometry system for precise movement tracking IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for motion sensing Lidar-based environment mapping and real-time obstacle detection Depth cameras for enhanced spatial awareness and localization Onboard Computation & Interface: High-performance computing unit capable of processing sensor data in real-time User interface (e.g., touchscreen or equivalent) for system interaction and configuration 3. Navigation Software & API Requirements Autonomous navigation software with the following capabilities: Mapping & Localization - Ability to autonomously generate and use maps of the environment Route Teaching & Execution - Manual input of custom paths and automated path following Obstacle Avoidance & Safety Features - Intelligent real-time navigation ensuring safe maneuverability Configurable & Extendable API Access - The software must provide a documented API allowing for: External control via custom-developed applications Real-time access to navigation and sensor data Integration with additional robotics frameworks if required The software must support long-term usability, allowing for custom modifications, additional research integrations, and future feature expansions. 4. Compliance & Maintainability The system must be a commercially available product, not a prototype or experimental development Must have long-term support and maintenance available in case of request from us Hardware and software should be upgradeable to support evolving research needs 5. Additional Considerations Additional consumables and components like batteries may be required

Procurement Information

Following market research by subject matter specialist it is reasonably believed that there is only one supplier who is likely to be able to fulfil the requirement so competition is absent for technical reasons. The key issue is the combination of a system which is 'Out of the box' (i.e. a readily available commercial product), has the extensive advanced autonomous capabilities and sensing technology required, and, exposes its control systems and technologies via a documented, customer-accessible public API (for external control, real-time data access, integration with other robotic systems). It is also believed that owing to the low value of the opportunity that a full procurement exercise would not be proportionate. The University provides this notice to inform of the market of its intentions and shall observe a 'Stand Still' period as set out in the regulations; should any supplier wish to challenge the University they should do so by contacting the individual named on the VEAT during the Stand Still and the University at its sole option may cancel the award.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012576-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

CPV Codes

33193000 - Invalid carriages, wheelchairs and associated devices

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£106,800 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Apr 202510 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
20 Mar 202511 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
jpike2@ed.ac.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1316502759

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh
Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

CYBERWORKS ROBOTICS

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24-2025-04-02T15:15:33+01:00",
    "date": "2025-04-02T15:15:33+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24",
    "description": "NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=793926. (SC Ref:793926)",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "NCA21327",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32014L0024",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        },
        "title": "Autonomous wheelchair system",
        "status": "complete",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "33193000",
            "description": "Invalid carriages, wheelchairs and associated devices"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "description": "The University of Edinburgh seeks to procure an autonomous wheelchair system to support research in autonomous mobility. The system must be an off-the-shelf, commercially available, and maintainable solution capable of full autonomous navigation, with the following key requirements: 1. Base Wheelchair Requirements Motorized power wheelchair suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments Stable and ergonomic design to ensure safe autonomous operation Compatible with additional hardware/software for autonomous navigation integration 2. Autonomous Navigation System Sensor Suite: Odometry system for precise movement tracking IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for motion sensing Lidar-based environment mapping and real-time obstacle detection Depth cameras for enhanced spatial awareness and localization Onboard Computation & Interface: High-performance computing unit capable of processing sensor data in real-time User interface (e.g., touchscreen or equivalent) for system interaction and configuration 3. Navigation Software & API Requirements Autonomous navigation software with the following capabilities: Mapping & Localization - Ability to autonomously generate and use maps of the environment Route Teaching & Execution - Manual input of custom paths and automated path following Obstacle Avoidance & Safety Features - Intelligent real-time navigation ensuring safe maneuverability Configurable & Extendable API Access - The software must provide a documented API allowing for: External control via custom-developed applications Real-time access to navigation and sensor data Integration with additional robotics frameworks if required The software must support long-term usability, allowing for custom modifications, additional research integrations, and future feature expansions. 4. Compliance & Maintainability The system must be a commercially available product, not a prototype or experimental development Must have long-term support and maintenance available in case of request from us Hardware and software should be upgradeable to support evolving research needs 5. Additional Considerations Additional components and consumables such as batteries may be required Solution must provide detailed technical documentation and demonstrate previous successful deployments",
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "description": "Specification for Requirement The University of Edinburgh seeks to procure an autonomous wheelchair system to support research in autonomous mobility. The system must be an off-the-shelf, commercially available, and maintainable solution capable of full autonomous navigation, with the following key requirements: 1. Base Wheelchair Requirements Motorized power wheelchair suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments Stable and ergonomic design to ensure safe autonomous operation Compatible with additional hardware/software for autonomous navigation integration 2. Autonomous Navigation System Sensor Suite: Odometry system for precise movement tracking IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for motion sensing Lidar-based environment mapping and real-time obstacle detection Depth cameras for enhanced spatial awareness and localization Onboard Computation & Interface: High-performance computing unit capable of processing sensor data in real-time User interface (e.g., touchscreen or equivalent) for system interaction and configuration 3. Navigation Software & API Requirements Autonomous navigation software with the following capabilities: Mapping & Localization - Ability to autonomously generate and use maps of the environment Route Teaching & Execution - Manual input of custom paths and automated path following Obstacle Avoidance & Safety Features - Intelligent real-time navigation ensuring safe maneuverability Configurable & Extendable API Access - The software must provide a documented API allowing for: External control via custom-developed applications Real-time access to navigation and sensor data Integration with additional robotics frameworks if required The software must support long-term usability, allowing for custom modifications, additional research integrations, and future feature expansions. 4. Compliance & Maintainability The system must be a commercially available product, not a prototype or experimental development Must have long-term support and maintenance available in case of request from us Hardware and software should be upgradeable to support evolving research needs 5. Additional Considerations Additional consumables and components like batteries may be required",
                "hasOptions": false
            }
        ],
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM75"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryLocation": {
                    "description": "Edinburgh"
                },
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethod": "limited",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition",
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [
            {
                "scheme": "TED_PT_AWARD_CONTRACT_WITHOUT_CALL",
                "id": "D_OUTSIDE_SCOPE",
                "description": "The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethodRationale": "Following market research by subject matter specialist it is reasonably believed that there is only one supplier who is likely to be able to fulfil the requirement so competition is absent for technical reasons. The key issue is the combination of a system which is 'Out of the box' (i.e. a readily available commercial product), has the extensive advanced autonomous capabilities and sensing technology required, and, exposes its control systems and technologies via a documented, customer-accessible public API (for external control, real-time data access, integration with other robotic systems). It is also believed that owing to the low value of the opportunity that a full procurement exercise would not be proportionate. The University provides this notice to inform of the market of its intentions and shall observe a 'Stand Still' period as set out in the regulations; should any supplier wish to challenge the University they should do so by contacting the individual named on the VEAT during the Stand Still and the University at its sole option may cancel the award."
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "012576-2025-1",
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "status": "active",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-142693",
                    "name": "Cyberworks Robotics"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-2023",
            "name": "University Of Edinburgh",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "University Of Edinburgh"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Charles Stewart House, 9-16 Chambers Street",
                "locality": "Edinburgh",
                "region": "UKM75",
                "postalCode": "EH1 1HT",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 1316502759",
                "email": "jpike2@ed.ac.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.ed.ac.uk",
                "buyerProfile": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00107",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "BODY_PUBLIC",
                        "description": "Body governed by public law"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "COFOG",
                        "id": "09",
                        "description": "Education"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-142693",
            "name": "Cyberworks Robotics",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Cyberworks Robotics"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "3600 Steeles Ave, East, , none",
                "locality": "Markham",
                "region": "CA",
                "postalCode": "L0L2L0",
                "countryName": "Canada"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+1 7053235055"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-1033",
            "name": "Edinburgh Sheriff Court",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Edinburgh Sheriff Court"
            },
            "address": {
                "locality": "Edinburgh",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "roles": [
                "reviewBody"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-FTS-2023",
        "name": "University Of Edinburgh"
    },
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "012576-2025-1",
            "awardID": "012576-2025-1",
            "status": "active",
            "value": {
                "amount": 106800,
                "currency": "USD"
            },
            "dateSigned": "2025-03-20T00:00:00Z"
        }
    ],
    "links": [
        {
            "rel": "canonical",
            "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000793926"
        }
    ],
    "language": "en"
}