The Internet of Things, or IoT, just could enable people with disabilities or in need of wheelchairs more independence in their daily lives. On Wednesday, AT&T and Permobil, a company focusing on wheelchairs, will unveil an IoT-connected wheelchair at a wireless trade show.

The IoT is seen as a multi-trillion-dollar business opportunity by technology companies such as Cisco, with billions of devices – from smartphones to refrigerators- being linked to and controlled through the Internet.

Now come wheelchairs, and perhaps even more devices for those in need of life-improving devices.

AT&T’s Foundry, a lab focused on IoT development, and Permobil teamed to develop the wheelchair, which is a proof of concept. It premiers at the CTIA Super Mobility 2015 event in Las Vegas.

Some of the IoT wireless-enabled features include:

  • Seating Position and Cushion Pressure: Users will know if their seat cushion pressure is out of range which can lead to life-threatening pressure ulcers. The solution complements Permobil’s Virtual Seating Coach, an app and cloud service that presents seating system information and tracks if users are following recommended seat function regimens.
  • Battery Level and Predictive Maintenance Requirements: Manufacturers/Dealers will know when a chair needs to be serviced by remotely accessing error codes. This enables single-trip service visits.
  • GPS Location and Fleet Management: Manufacturers/Dealers can quickly and efficiently schedule demos and appointments. Caregivers gain greater peace of mind.

“The connected wheelchair is a great example of how the AT&T Foundry can quickly collaborate with a customer on a proof of concept to bring connectivity and intelligence to a new range of devices,” said Mike Troiano, Vice President of AT&T Industrial IoT Solutions. “We’re using innovative technology to solve real-world problems and, in this case, potentially improve quality of life.”

The features incorporate a variety of AT&T developed software and tools.

“Permobil’s collaboration with the AT&T Foundry is the epitome of how to bring today’s technology into the complex rehabilitation arena to benefit users, clinicians and stakeholders,” added Olof Hedin, Permobil’s Chief Information Officer, in a statement.