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Technology’s true purpose is to enrich human lives in profound and meaningful ways. Amid sleek gadgets and complex systems, a groundbreaking product is set to revolutionize mobility aids for the elderly and those with mobility challenges. Founded by Tracey McGillivray and then-mechanical engineering student Liam Maaskant, the RAYMEXTM Lift epitomizes the essence of technology’s mission. Designed with love, compassion and a deep understanding of the user’s needs, it stands as a poignant reminder of the true potential of technological innovation. The RAYMEXTM Lift is named in honor of Tracey’s father, Raymond, highlighting the personal motivation behind the product.
Many people can relate to Tracey’s personal experience. She recounts, “This journey began back in 2019 when my dad started to fall at home on a fairly frequent basis. Thankfully, he was never injured, but he was unable to get back up on his own if he went down.” Her father’s struggles became a source of worry for the family, especially since Tracey’s mother, being of the same age, couldn’t assist him effectively. The situation often required calling neighbors or emergency services for help. Determined to find a solution, Tracey scoured the market for a device that could help her parents regain their independence and safety. She found existing devices either too heavy, cumbersome, or impractical for elderly use. “I just can’t stand to see a major solvable problem go unsolved,” she says, reflecting her resolve to tackle the issue head-on.
Enter Liam, a mechanical engineering student and an active leader at their shared alma mater, Acadia University. “I reached out to Liam and explained the problem with Mom and Dad, and the magnitude of the problem across the developed world,” Tracey shares. Liam’s response was immediate and proactive: “Let’s solve this problem.” With Tracey’s determination and Liam’s engineering prowess, they undertook a mission to create a practical, user-friendly solution. The company, Axtion Independence Mobility Inc was born.
Liam dove into the project with thoroughness. Methodical and user-focused, he surveyed care facilities and engaged with community members to understand the nuances of the problem. “I didn’t want to be biased by existing solutions,” he explains. “We needed something that wasn’t just functional but also sleek, elegant, non-intrusive and practical.” The result was the RAYMEXTMLift, an ingenious device that combines an elevating seat with a Rollator Walker frame. The design allows users to lower themselves to the ground and rise up with minimal effort. It integrates seamlessly into their daily life, enhancing their ability to safely perform everyday tasks.
“One in four adults over the age of 65 will fall at least once a year, with the number doubling for those over 80. While many aren’t injured, almost half need help getting back up. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a significant problem that impacts millions.” Tracey is effusive in her praise for Liam’s design: “He’s very humble and modest, but the concept of putting an elevating seat inside a Rollator Walker was his idea, and it’s just ingenious.”
The device can adjust to various heights—the seat can lower to the ground and rise to 24 inches—making it easier for users to reach low objects such as picking up items from off the floor, reach to a higher surface or stand from a seated position. Tracey said her father considered it his personal utility vehicle. Whether he was adjusting sprinkler heads or tending to his garden, the RAYMEXTM Lift provided the support he needed.
The broader impact of this innovation is that it’s not just for the elderly. Anyone with a fear of falling, whether due to conditions like Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, can benefit. It’s about giving people their lives back. Liam shared that the device’s design includes a seat that rotates up and out of the way, allowing users to stand or walk inside the frame, thus offering robust support without hindrance. Tracey recalls, “I would watch my parents struggle with their Rollator Walkers, unable to perform simple tasks because the seat was a barricade.” This small but significant innovation enables users to perform tasks like brushing their teeth or cooking without the cumbersome seat getting in the way.
The RAYMEXTM Lift’s functional design includes a load-surge warning system. If something is restricting the seat’s movement, there is a drastic change in load, if something is caught under or on top of the seat while in movement—if any obstruction is detected—this would trigger a warning and the device would automatically lock for 5 seconds, halting movement. The device also includes a low battery warning and an automatic safety lock, preventing any unintended motion. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. These thoughtful details underscore the meticulous care that has gone into every aspect of its design.
Currently, the RAYMEXTM Lift is in the final stages of preparation before hitting the market. “It’s been testing very well and has been well-received,” Tracey says with pride. It is expected to retail for around $3,800 in the United States—a price point that is lower than many other comparable powered lifts. This affordability, combined with its multifunctionality, positions the RAYMEXTM Lift as a game-changer in the mobility aids market.
Axtion Independence Mobility is offering a solution that could transform lives, and as they prepare the RAYMEXTM Lift for commercialization, Tracey and Liam are very optimistic about the future. Technology often feels impersonal but this product reminds us that the best innovations are those that come from the heart. As Liam aptly puts it, “We wanted to create something that doesn’t just help people, but also brings back their joy and independence.” We’re ready to give people back their peace of mind.”