Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name and addresses
University Of Edinburgh
Charles Stewart House, 9-16 Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1HT
Telephone
+44 1316502759
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM75 - Edinburgh, City of
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00107
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Autonomous wheelchair system
Reference number
NCA21327
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 33193000 - Invalid carriages, wheelchairs and associated devices
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
The University of Edinburgh seeks to procure an autonomous wheelchair system to support research in autonomous mobility. The system must be an off-the-shelf, commercially available, and maintainable solution capable of full autonomous navigation, with the following key requirements:
1. Base Wheelchair Requirements
Motorized power wheelchair suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments
Stable and ergonomic design to ensure safe autonomous operation
Compatible with additional hardware/software for autonomous navigation integration
2. Autonomous Navigation System
Sensor Suite:
Odometry system for precise movement tracking
IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for motion sensing
Lidar-based environment mapping and real-time obstacle detection
Depth cameras for enhanced spatial awareness and localization
Onboard Computation & Interface:
High-performance computing unit capable of processing sensor data in real-time
User interface (e.g., touchscreen or equivalent) for system interaction and configuration
3. Navigation Software & API Requirements
Autonomous navigation software with the following capabilities:
Mapping & Localization – Ability to autonomously generate and use maps of the environment
Route Teaching & Execution – Manual input of custom paths and automated path following
Obstacle Avoidance & Safety Features – Intelligent real-time navigation ensuring safe maneuverability
Configurable & Extendable API Access – The software must provide a documented API allowing for:
External control via custom-developed applications
Real-time access to navigation and sensor data
Integration with additional robotics frameworks if required
The software must support long-term usability, allowing for custom modifications, additional research integrations, and future feature expansions.
4. Compliance & Maintainability
The system must be a commercially available product, not a prototype or experimental development
Must have long-term support and maintenance available in case of request from us
Hardware and software should be upgradeable to support evolving research needs
5. Additional Considerations
Additional components and consumables such as batteries may be required
Solution must provide detailed technical documentation and demonstrate previous successful deployments
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: 106,800 USD
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM75 - Edinburgh, City of
Main site or place of performance
Edinburgh
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Specification for Requirement
The University of Edinburgh seeks to procure an autonomous wheelchair system to support research in autonomous mobility. The system must be an off-the-shelf, commercially available, and maintainable solution capable of full autonomous navigation, with the following key requirements:
1. Base Wheelchair Requirements
Motorized power wheelchair suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments
Stable and ergonomic design to ensure safe autonomous operation
Compatible with additional hardware/software for autonomous navigation integration
2. Autonomous Navigation System
Sensor Suite:
Odometry system for precise movement tracking
IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for motion sensing
Lidar-based environment mapping and real-time obstacle detection
Depth cameras for enhanced spatial awareness and localization
Onboard Computation & Interface:
High-performance computing unit capable of processing sensor data in real-time
User interface (e.g., touchscreen or equivalent) for system interaction and configuration
3. Navigation Software & API Requirements
Autonomous navigation software with the following capabilities:
Mapping & Localization – Ability to autonomously generate and use maps of the environment
Route Teaching & Execution – Manual input of custom paths and automated path following
Obstacle Avoidance & Safety Features – Intelligent real-time navigation ensuring safe maneuverability
Configurable & Extendable API Access – The software must provide a documented API allowing for:
External control via custom-developed applications
Real-time access to navigation and sensor data
Integration with additional robotics frameworks if required
The software must support long-term usability, allowing for custom modifications, additional research integrations, and future feature expansions.
4. Compliance & Maintainability
The system must be a commercially available product, not a prototype or experimental development
Must have long-term support and maintenance available in case of request from us
Hardware and software should be upgradeable to support evolving research needs
5. Additional Considerations
Additional consumables and components like batteries may be required
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the regulations
Explanation:
Following market research by subject matter specialist it is reasonably believed that there is only one supplier who is likely to be able to fulfil the requirement so competition is absent for technical reasons. The key issue is the combination of a system which is 'Out of the box' (i.e. a readily available commercial product), has the extensive advanced autonomous capabilities and sensing technology required, and, exposes its control systems and technologies via a documented, customer-accessible public API (for external control, real-time data access, integration with other robotic systems). It is also believed that owing to the low value of the opportunity that a full procurement exercise would not be proportionate.
The University provides this notice to inform of the market of its intentions and shall observe a 'Stand Still' period as set out in the regulations; should any supplier wish to challenge the University they should do so by contacting the individual named on the VEAT during the Stand Still and the University at its sole option may cancel the award.
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section five. Award of contract/concession
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
20 March 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire
Cyberworks Robotics
3600 Steeles Ave, East, , none
Markham
L0L2L0
Telephone
+1 7053235055
Country
Canada
NUTS code
- CA - Canada
The contractor/concessionaire is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot/concession: 106,800 USD
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=793926.
(SC Ref:793926)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Edinburgh Sheriff Court
Edinburgh
Country
United Kingdom