Phoenix Instinct

About Phoenix Instinct

Based in Forres, Northeast Scotland, Phoenix Instinct designs travel and daily use wheeled bags specifically to be wheelchair compatible. These bags carry their own weight through multi-directional wheels, preventing the wheelchair from tipping backward even with heavy loads. This innovation makes transporting luggage or groceries effortless and perfectly aligned with the wheelchair's movements.

Their latest product, the Phoenix i Hybrid wheelchair, is now available to order. This revolutionary wheelchair enhances mobility like never before with integrated front wheel power assist, electronic braking, hybrid technology, and a stunning single-piece carbon fibre frame, marking a significant advancement in wheelchair technology.

KTP Aim

We’ve partnered with Phoenix and the School of Computing, Engineering, and Physical Sciences for two KTP projects. The first KTP project aimed to integrate advanced composite structures finite element design capabilities within the business, providing a foundation for future design initiatives. The second KTP project aims to embed expertise in Electronics, IoT, AI, and Machine Learning to develop the next generation of SMART wheelchairs.

There is simply not a better way to bring and manage new skills into your business than the KTP programme. The programme avoids the potential situation of bringing a new employee into a business where the company don't have the required specialist knowledge to manage them.

Andrew Slorance, Founder and CEO, Phoenix Instinct

KTP Associates

Jakub Rycerz was the KTP Associate on the first KTP project and was retained at the company as a Composites Engineer. KTP Associate, Muhammad Moid Khan is working on the second KTP project.

The KTP Associates have both contributed immensely to the exciting new developments within the company. As Moid's project concludes in September, we look forward to celebrating the achievements made during this KTP.

Key Outcomes of KTP Project 1

• Phoenix Instinct achieved innovation in product development with reduced risk
• The company strengthened in-house skills, reducing reliance on contractors and gaining greater control over design and development
• Substantial savings were made from outsourcing, providing a cost-effective alternative
• Phoenix Instinct is on track to deliver groundbreaking mobility products that set them apart in the market
• 3 new employees hired
• £100,000 total investment in plant and machinery

Notable Achievements for KTP Project 1

• The KTP Associate became a valuable permanent member of the company as a Composites Engineer
• The project won the Global Toyota Mobility Foundation’s Mobility Unlimited Challenge, securing a $1,000,000 prize for their Ultra-lightweight Intelligent Wheelchair
• Highly complex composite FEA models were developed, optimising load paths and minimising structural mass
• The team successfully met design specifications, market demands, and financial constraints
• Utilisation of advanced composite materials and nanotechnology for a weight-critical structure
• Determined the most appropriate manufacturing solutions, balancing cost, performance, and volume

Working directly with the company’s CEO and gaining practical knowledge has been incredibly rewarding. The small size of the company allowed my input to have a significant impact on the project, and I had the opportunity to apply my engineering skills to real-world challenges, including rapid prototyping and product design using 3D printing.

Jakub Rycerz, KTP Associate, Phoenix Instinct