--- title: "Autonomous wheelchair system" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Award" buyer: "UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH" published: "2025-04-02" --- # Autonomous wheelchair system Buyer: UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH Current stage: Award OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24.json) ## Summary 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. ## Notice 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. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012576-2025 | | 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 | | All stages | Award | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 2 Apr 2025 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | 20 Mar 2025 | | Contract period | Not specified | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | Not specified | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | £106,800 | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Complete | | Lots status | Not specified | | Awards status | Active | | Contracts status | Active | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH | | Locality | EDINBURGH | | Post town | Edinburgh | | Postcode | EH1 1HT | | Country | Scotland | | ITL 1 | TLM Scotland | | ITL 2 | TLM1 East Central Scotland | | ITL 3 | TLM13 City of Edinburgh | | Local authority | City of Edinburgh | | Electoral ward | City Centre | | Westminster constituency | Edinburgh East and Musselburgh | | Delivery location | TLM75 City of Edinburgh | ## Supplier | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Number of suppliers | 1 | | Supplier names | CYBERWORKS ROBOTICS | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products ### Codes - 33193000 - Invalid carriages, wheelchairs and associated devices ## Release History - 2 Apr 2025 at 14:15 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012576-2025 ## Notice URLs - http://www.ed.ac.uk - https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000793926 - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=793926 - https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00107 ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-04fc24.json.