Sunrise Medical Launches Voice-Activated Power Seating Control

FRESNO, California—Sunrise Medical, a provider of advanced assistive mobility solutions, announced the launch of its voice activation feature for Switch-It`s CTRL+5 power seating control module, which Sunrise said is the industry’s first voice-activated power seating system. 

The new feature, now standard on all CTRL+5 modules, allows power wheelchair riders to control their seating positions completely hands-free using simple voice commands. Designed for PG Drives R-net electronics, available on QUICKIE, ZIPPIE and Magic Mobility power wheelchairs, this technology offers ease of use and independence for riders.   

The CTRL+5 already provides intuitive access to power seating functions through push buttons and toggle switches, depending on the switch box chosen. With the new voice activation, riders can now tilt, recline, elevate their legs and more, by simply saying “Hello Sunrise”, followed by a command like “Sunrise 2” to move the preprogrammed seating functions. 

This feature supports clinically recommended position changes, helping to promote pressure relief, circulation and overall comfort throughout the day. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with limited dexterity or difficulty reaching their controller, which can often limit optimal seat function use. This is especially helpful for individuals using sip-and-puff, head arrays or mini joysticks—such as those with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy. 

“We believe that everyone deserves full control over their comfort and health,” said Bernd Krebs, chief technology officer at Sunrise Medical. “Voice activation on the CTRL+5 gives riders more autonomy in managing their posture and well-being, especially those who may have difficulty accessing their standard controls.”   

Traditional input options, such as buttons and toggles, remain fully available, giving riders the flexibility to choose what works best for them. Voice control can be turned on or off at any time, and settings can be personalized by a dealer to match individual clinical needs. Best of all, no additional justification or funding approval is required.  

Starting now, every chair ordered with the CTRL+5 option will include voice activation by default—no additional selection on the order form is required. Patients can tell they have the updated CTRL+5 version by the newly designed switch box, featuring blue LEDs and numbered buttons.