Toyota’s new chair can walk and climb
Instead of wheels, the device has four robotic legs that bend, lift, and adapt to the ground beneath
What if a wheelchair could climb stairs, walk over gravel, and fold itself away neatly when done?
Toyota seems to have turned that imagination into reality. At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, the company unveiled Walk Me — a four-legged robotic chair that quite literally walks.
Designed for people with limited mobility, Walk Me aims to make everyday movement effortless, even in places where traditional wheelchairs fail. It combines robotics, artificial intelligence, and ergonomic design to bring a new kind of independence to its users.
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Instead of wheels, the device has four robotic legs that bend, lift, and adapt to the ground beneath. Inspired by animals such as goats and crabs, these limbs help the chair balance itself on stairs or uneven surfaces. Each leg is wrapped in a soft, friendly covering that hides the complex mechanics and sensors inside.
As the chair moves, sensors and LiDAR systems scan its surroundings, ensuring safety by detecting edges, toys, or furniture. The design even adjusts automatically if the balance shifts.
Comfort is another key focus. The seat moulds to the user's shape, while small handles and voice commands provide easy control. Saying "kitchen" or "faster" prompts the chair to move or change its direction or pace.
When the journey ends, a single button folds Walk Me into a compact size in half a minute. It fits in a car boot or beside a sofa, ready for its next trip.
Still in prototype stage, Toyota's Walk Me shows a future where movement is not confined by wheels or stairs, but powered by innovation and thoughtful design.
