WHILL Named One of the Most Innovative Companies in 2018 by Fast Company
WHILL Earns Spot in Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Robotics
Jun 11, 2024
San Carlos, CA, January 20, 2018 – Fast Company today announced its annual ranking of the world’s Most Innovative Companies (MIC) for 2018, honoring leading enterprises and rising newcomers that exemplify the best in business and innovation. Amongst this prestigious group, which includes industry giants like Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Patagonia and CVS Health, WHILL Inc. has earned a spot in the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Robotics.
WHILL’s mission is to “deliver fun and innovation to pedestrian travel” with category-defining products that uniquely combine a sleek, fashionable design that has the power to eliminate the feeling of self-consciousness reflected in antiquated scooters and wheelchairs.
Providing advanced driving and technology features, as well as WHILL’s patented front omni-wheels, WHILL users enjoy best-in-class versatility and stability, gaining a newfound freedom and confidence to explore both tight indoor and craggy outdoor environments.
The recently launched Model Ci includes embedded bluetooth for remote driving with an iPhone app, a mobile data network connection, and GPS making it the smartest, connected personal electric vehicle available in the market. Bundled with the Model Ci is IntelliCare, a service that provides real-time visibility and analytics on product performance; predictive maintenance and alerts; multi-device location tracking for fleet management; and the ability to perform remote diagnostics that drastically reduces customer service calls. It also quickly disassembles into three components so that it can be easily transported in almost any vehicle.
Demonstrated recently at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo, WHILL began trials for a mobility infrastructure initiative utilizing autonomous technology to address mobility needs of the aging population, to provide safer travel throughout terminals, and to eliminate the need for airport staff and reduce overall operations costs.
WHILL’s Model Ci has also received recognition for the CES 2018 “Best of Innovation Awards” in Accessibility Tech, and named as an Engadget “Best of CES 2018” Finalist.
Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies recognize pioneering companies across 36 categories, from artificial intelligence to wellness. More than three dozen Fast Company editors, reporters, and contributors surveyed thousands of companies—many of which were identified by a new MIC submission process—to create these lists.
Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy. “This year’s MIC list is an inspiring and insightful window into how many companies have embraced innovation and are working to make meaningful change,” said Fast Company deputy editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with senior editor Amy Farley.
Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March-April 2018) is now available online at www.fastcompany.com/MIC, as well as in app form via iTunes and on newsstands beginning February 27.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the world’s leading progressive business media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology, ethical economics, leadership, and design. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, one of the U.S.’s leading media companies.
About WHILL
Since its founding in 2013, WHILL’s mission is to transform today’s antiquated power wheelchair and scooter experiences into a new kind of empowering device, an intelligent personal electric vehicle (EV). WHILL is reinventing the personal mobility industry with an Intelligent Personal EV that focuses on an approachable and aesthetically pleasing powered vehicle that boosts confidence and pushes the boundaries of personal transportation. Headquartered in the Bay Area with offices in Tokyo and Taiwan, WHILL is focused on enabling everyone to explore the world in comfort and style.
The WHILL Model Ci is not to be considered a medical device and has not been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for review or clearance.
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