Formula 1-technology for Olympic champions
As a Swiss technology company, innovation is firmly rooted in our DNA. Orthotec AG, a subsidiary of Schweizer Paraplegiker-Stiftung (the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation), contacted us with a very special challenge. They had set themselves the goal of providing Swiss wheelchair athletes with the world’s fastest wheelchair for the Olympics in Tokyo, and thus setting new standards in global sport. This is precisely the kind of challenge that drives our engineers to achieve peak performance.
We used state-of-the-art CFD simulations, wind tunnel tests and concentrated expert knowledge to design the best wheelchair together with Orthotec, the athletes themselves and other partners. We used our entire Formula 1 experience to manufacture these high-tech pieces of sports equipment. The structure of the ultra-light carbon wheelchairs was designed using FE calculations and manufactured using the lightest materials. 3D printing in plastic and metal was used just as successfully as the latest know-how in carbon manufacturing.
The result speaks for itself. Four Olympic gold medals from Marcel Hug with the OT FOXX M1. The project was not only a resounding success in terms of sport, but was also an example of outstanding cooperation with all partners. Today, Orthotec offers the world’s fastest wheelchair to all athletes and continues to be used successfully by Swiss athletes in competitions over all distances.
