A fall experienced by her grandmother inspired Meera Ramaswami to create Cargility, a company focused on developing a portable mobility aid designed to assist individuals in safely entering and exiting vehicles.
ANN ARBOR, MI – The journey of Meera Ramaswami, an inventor from Ann Arbor, began with a personal experience that ultimately led to the creation of a mobility aid aimed at enhancing safety for individuals with balance and mobility challenges. In 2022, after witnessing her grandmother’s fall while exiting a vehicle, Meera recognized the significant impact that a seemingly mundane action could have on an individual’s independence and social engagement.
The moment of her grandmother’s fall, which occurred during what should have been a routine transition from car to ground, not only resulted in a physical injury but also instilled a lasting fear that curtailed her willingness to travel. This realization prompted Meera to consider how mobility issues could lead to social isolation and decreased independence, particularly among older adults and individuals with disabilities.
The Problem of Vehicle Transfers
Getting in and out of a car is a common yet complex task for many, especially those recovering from surgery or dealing with age-related mobility challenges. Factors such as the need to twist, lower oneself, and find stable footing can create significant barriers. As noted by Meera, the challenges faced by her grandmother highlighted a broader issue affecting numerous individuals: the difficulty of vehicle transfers.
Existing mobility aids, such as walkers and canes, often prove impractical in the confined space next to a vehicle. Recognizing this gap, Meera embarked on developing a solution in 2022. Her approach was hands-on, involving observation, prototyping, and extensive testing to create a device that would be both effective and user-friendly.
The Development of Cargility
The resultant product, named Cargility, is a portable mobility assistive device that engages with the striker plate in a vehicle’s doorframe, providing a stable support point for users while entering or exiting the vehicle. Its design incorporates an articulating leg that adjusts to various vehicle heights, allowing for a seamless transition between the car and the ground.
The Cargility device aims to reduce fall risk and alleviate the physical strain on caregivers by providing a reliable point of support during vehicle transfers. Its structure enables users to lean on a handrail while maneuvering in and out of their vehicles, decreasing reliance on the car door or another person for stability.
Testing and Refinement
The development process was rigorous, involving the creation and testing of multiple prototypes. Meera meticulously evaluated the performance of different designs, ensuring that the final product was not only strong enough to support a user but also portable and easy to handle. Central to her efforts was the need to balance conflicting requirements, such as stability and ease of use, which necessitated both engineering knowledge and an understanding of user experience.
Recognition and Validation
Meera’s innovative approach caught the attention of The Henry Ford’s Invention Convention, a program designed to inspire young inventors. In 2022, she garnered top honors in four engineering categories, including the Grand Prize, which provided crucial support for pursuing a patent. This recognition not only validated her invention but also helped connect her with mentors and resources essential for further development.
In December 2025, Meera was awarded a US patent for the “Vehicle Access Mobility Tool,” marking a significant milestone in her journey. While the patent protects her invention and establishes intellectual property rights, it does not imply that the product is ready for mass production. The next steps involve extensive testing, manufacturing considerations, and regulatory compliance to ensure the device meets safety standards.
Mother-Daughter Co-Founders
In 2025, Meera and her mother, Praveena Ramaswami, co-founded Cargility. While Meera focused on the technical aspects of the device, Praveena took charge of commercial development, leveraging her expertise to navigate the complex landscape of the mobility market. Together, they aim to bridge the gap between invention and commercial viability by understanding user needs, developing effective marketing strategies, and establishing distribution channels.
Addressing a Wider Need
Cargility addresses a crucial need for portable mobility support, particularly for older adults and caregivers who assist individuals with mobility limitations during vehicle transfers. Often overlooked in accessibility discussions, the process of getting in and out of vehicles poses unique challenges that can significantly impact individuals’ independence and social participation.
The success of Cargility will hinge on real-world testing and building trust among potential users. Individuals must feel confident that the device will provide the necessary support and stability during vehicle transitions, a critical concern for those with balance issues.
Building an Ecosystem in Ann Arbor
Cargility is part of Ann Arbor’s growing technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem, which provides access to mentoring, funding, and resources essential for startups. Organizations such as Ann Arbor SPARK offer programs to support emerging businesses and can play a pivotal role in connecting founders with industry experts.
The company has progressed to creating a working prototype, with plans for an initial production run and market launch. This phase is vital as it transitions from concept to a commercially viable product, requiring careful consideration of manufacturing processes and cost control.
A Personal Journey Toward Innovation
Meera Ramaswami’s story exemplifies how personal experiences can lead to impactful innovations. Her invention, born from a desire to improve her grandmother’s safety, highlights the importance of human-centered design in addressing everyday challenges faced by many individuals. While the Cargility device cannot eliminate all risks associated with mobility, it presents a practical solution that addresses a specific vulnerable transition.
As Cargility moves forward, it aims to empower individuals to navigate their mobility challenges with greater confidence and independence, transforming a familial experience into a potential solution for many.
