Rushboard Technologies
Redef ining
the Assitive
Landscape.
HOW IT WORKS
Many of our devices, PALADIN included, are being designed with two layers of Rushboard's ecosystem – named CELL and CATAPHRACT, respectively. Whereas CELL will handle functional attachments for XR (i.e., expanding what you can do with our products), CATAPHRACT is a customisable shroud system.
Mainstream users will pay normally, whereas families with disabled children aged 8-18yrs, and the Elderly, will access core devices via an NHS prescription; with discounts on certain CELL attachments and hardware upgrades, over the user’s lifetime. In the future, we would like to provide a limited number of units, free of charge, through a recognised disability charity. When the disabled/elderly user no longer needs our products, in exchange for an acceptable cashback, we will then "Pay it Forward" to another user, following an inspection for refirbishment/replacement of components.
For more information on CELL and CATAPHRACT, click the logos below:
Besides these subsystems, however, what we intend to offer most is better hardware support. Core devices will come in carry cases for permanent and safe storage, though distribution will not be via postal delivery – instead devices, attachments, and shrouds will be made-to-order, using a network of Maker facilities across the UK, confining costs to electronics storage. To limit ecological impact, every facility involved will employ “filament extruders” to shred and recycle plastic container waste for device casings, and act as Repair/Replacement Hubs through the warranty, with most shrouds being biodegradable.
Creation of CELL attachments will be Open Source, and a service to design custom CATAPHRACTS will be offered later. We are looking at partnering with a Mechanical Battery provider as well, compatible with all our non-mains products, to limit waste versus conventional batteries. However, should a device be beyond repair, users will be able to return them to a partnered Maker facility for safe dismantling and proper recycling, further minimising our e-waste footprint.
Rushboard will oversee software support via an online community, with feedback from NHS staff and disabled/elderly users, determining new features. When distribution begins, 20% of all profits (and donations recieved via our planned Twitch channel) will go to select disabled charities, rotated on a quarterly basis.
Through a pilot program, initial rollout will occur with Brighton and Hove NHS Foundation and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, accumulating early input, before expanding to Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. After all three of these areas have been in the program for six months, we hope to gradually scale it across NHS England, with other regions to follow later.