Prototype
Results: 630
Wrench Palm Adapter
The Wrench Palm Adapter is a prototype design for users who cannot grasp properly or who have muscle deterioration symptoms. This device is intended for people who lost finger movement or limited finger mobility. The adapter lets the user use a wrench by moving their palm.
3-D Haptics Technology Device
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a device that allows a person to feel a virtual object. Miraisens Inc., a company developed from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Tsukuba, Tokyo., has revealed a device that allows users to move virtual 3D objects around in virtual space and "feel" them via a vibration sensor. The current technology works using a virtual reality headset, a bracelet with hardware attached (enclosed in a box), and a f
30-Degree Slope Bowl
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a bowl that slopes to be easily used by individuals who have upper extremity or fine motor disabilities, such as trembling hands, or arthritis. The 30-degree Slope is a bowl specifically designed for individuals with trembling hands who have difficulty holding a cup and saucer with a steady hand. The bowl is designed to tilt at a 30-degree angle so that an individual can access the contents of the bowl without having to worry about hand
3D Printed Bionic Hand
This 3D Printed Bionic Hand is a hand made for people without hands to give them the ability to function with a hand. It is 3D printed, can be made at home, and for a fraction of the cost. Normally, a prosthetic hand would cost £80,000, but this bionic hand costs under £2,000. This prosthetic was developed to give disabled people more control over their lives and accessibility.
3D Printed Bread Knife
The 3D Printed Bread Knife is a 3D printed kitchen knife design is made for elderly users or individuals who have arthritis to allow them to practice cutting and to learn how to cut safely and effectively. It is one of four kitchen knife concepts developed.
3D Printed Ear
This product is a prosthetic ear made at a low cost compared to having plastic surgery and is designed for people with one ear. The final prototype was made of resin and then 3 dimension printed in silicone. It is to be used as an affordable solution to disfigurement.
3D Printed Paring Knife
The 3D Printed Pairing Knife is a kitchen knife designed for elderly users or individuals who have arthritis to allow them to learn how to cut safely and effectively. It is one of four kitchen knife concepts developed. It is ideal if the user needs an all over grip, a large finger rest area, a large front guard, a large backstop, and a large handle area. Ideal for practicing pairing.
4Wd Permoveh Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE:The 4WD Permoveh Wheelchair or the Personal Mobility Vehicle, is a prototype for the next-generation wheelchair. The Permoveh has four wheels of the same size, and each wheel contains 32 rollers that can rotate in a perpendicular direction to the rim. The vehicle can move in any direction when the user operates a hand-held control. When the user wants to travel forward or back, the wheels alone move; when going sideways, the rollers move. When traveling diagonall
6Dot Braille Label Maker
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: As part of a class project, a team of MIT students created a prototype design of a Braille labeler for individuals with visual impairments (blind) to label objects they use. The 6dot Braille Label Maker is a small, easily portable device which can produce all possible Braille characters (including commonly used two-character contractions). The device can be easily loaded and operated by touch. While still under development the estimated cost is $200. Existing de
7-Miles
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a robotic orthosis to assist individuals with mobility disabilities with gait. 7-miles is an exosketal orthosis for the leg. This innovative system of robotic leg braces supports the body and assists the user's natural walking motion with compact and powerful linear electric motors that assist the hips and knees. The device supports a person from their gluteal area down to the ankle. It does not restrict the range of motion and is very
A2B Tricycle
The A2B Tricycle is an adapted cycle designed for children with disabilities to play, promote independence, muscle development, and to encourage physical activity among kids suffering from neurological or muscular disorders.
AAC Attachable iPad Grid
The AAC Attachable iPad Grid is an augmentative and alternative communication device designed for people with Angelman Syndrome to assist with expressive communication. Many of these individuals use iPads, but may have difficulty accurately touching the icons they intend to select to communicate what they are thinking or feeling.
Ability App
The Ability App is a prototype mobile application designed to help the individuals with disabilities navigate the world. The app shows users where wheelchair ramps are and what locations are service-animal friendly.
Access4Kids
PROTOTYPE-----Access4Kids an assistive input device that enables access to rehabilitation apps for children with limited upper-body motor control. The wireless device utilizes a sensor system that translates any physically possible body press/swipe movements into fine-motor control gestures. Access4Kids, coupled with a supporting software library, enables control of off-the-shelf apps or control of custom-made apps to facilitate the delivery of effective therapy opportunities for children with m
Access4Kids
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an accessible touchscreen for tablet devices for individuals with fine motor and/or hand disabilities. Touchscreen computer tablets vary but one unique feature between them all is the finger gestures necessary to perform tasks on the device. Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology created a simple tool, Access4Kids, that augments touchscreens and helps many people with fine motor control issues in their hands operate tablets
Accessible Aquarium
PROTOTYPEPURPOSE: To create more engaging, dynamic exhibits for museums science centers, zoos, and aquaria for individuals with visual impairments. The Accessible Aquarium project combines the fields of psychology, computing, music, and assistive technology to develop cutting-edge bio-tracking and behavior- analysis techniques to provide input for multimedia auditory displays, music, and sonifications (use of sound to convey information about data to the listener). The first adaptation is for u
Active Shelves
Active Shelves is a product designed for those individuals confined to a wheelchair with muscular dystrophy to reach their laptop keyboard. The makers are still advancing the design to make it voice activated. It was developed at the Tikkun Olam Makers makeathon in the District of Columbia.
Actively Adjustable Cane To Assist Standing From A Sitting Position
PROTOTYPEPURPOSE: To design a cane that can assist an individual with mobility disabilities with walking and provide assistance as the individual stands from a seated position. The cane prototype consists of three major components: 1) a prefabricated ratcheting device, 2) a slide rod, and 3) a pair of telescoping rods. The ratcheting device was taken from a caulk gun. It uses springs and small plates to form a trigger and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism prevents the rod from sliding
Adapted Computer Keyboard
PROTOTYPEPURPOSE: To design a customized computer keyboard for an individual who is legally blind and has fine motor skill disabilities. Initial tests included two visual and two motor skill tests to determine the consumer’s abilities so the keyboard would meet all specified needs. The final design included keys that were large enough and spaced so the consumer would be able to identify and depress only one key at a time. The size of the lettering was also increased to accommodate the consumer’s
Adapted Paddle Launch Vehicle (Aplv)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an adapted paddle launch vehicle that allows for the launch and retrieval of a kayak and also allows the kayaker to transfer from their wheelchair to the kayak then safely launch the kayak into the water from a boat ramp. There were five major requirements for the adapted padded launch vehicle (APLV): (1) the device should be accessible to the widest possible range of users; (2) transfer from the wheelchair to the kayak should be comfort
Adapted ring pen holder
The Adapted ring pen holder is designed to aid people with arthritis or fine motor disabilities or other gripping disabilities. The device does not require tightly gripping, helping to relieve the the muscle pain from holding a pen. The ring pen holder its a triangular form which facilitates its stability and writing. The ring is customizable and can be design to meet users needs.
Adaptive/Assistive 3.5 mm Button
The Adaptive/Assistive 3.5 mm Button is a 3D printable AT button. This device interfaces with a 3.5 mm mono jack system. The device is intended for individuals with physical disabilities. AT buttons can be used for individuals with limited range of motion to control his or her environment. The buttons can be used to adapt toys and home appliances so that they can be actuated with ease.
Adjustable Easel And Marker Holder
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an adjustable easel with a tray to hold marker pens for a high school student with cerebral palsy. The girl has severe contractures in her fingers, which made it difficult for her to grasp and release markers when desired. When she needed a new marker, a teacher or aide manually opened her fingers and placed a new marker in her hand. Her range of motion was limited, and she could only access a portion of the drawing surface. Designers cr
Adjustable Universal Shoulder Stock
The Adjustable Universal Shoulder Stock is a do it yourself device designed for use by individuals with fine motor or grasping disabilities or arthritis. The device is use for cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes or other hardware with standard ¼ inch tripod threads. The shoulder stock is designed as assistive hardware to make birding more accessible to people with a hand steadiness condition, but really improves steadiness of hand-held optics for everyone.
AdvenChair
Prototype: The AdvenChair is an all-terrain, human-powered vehicle that allows people with mobility disabilities to experience the outdoors while traveling onto rugged trails, sand, and snow. With its adjustable handlebars and hand brakes, adjustable seat and harness, a team of one to five people can navigate the AdvenChair over rocky, soft or steep terrain with the stability and durability of a mountain bike. The Advenchair’s removable front wheels and ergonomic design allow the device to pass
Aero Mobile Oxygen
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Aero provides oxygen to individuals with respiratory illness while on the go. This prototype design does not require a refill. It is designed to be slim and concealed in a compatible backpack adapted for the necessary tubing and equipment. The backpack has an integrated control to increase or decrease the flow discretely.
Affordable Prosthetic Hands
Affordable Prosthetic Hands are designed for people with only one hand in place of their other hand. The finger actuation and transmission system follows a bio-inspired design that structurally reproduces the flexion (with tendons driven through low-friction tubes) and extension (using elastomer materials) movements of human fingers. The proposed thumb mechanism substitutes the three Degrees of Freedom (DoF) that implement the human thumb opposition with only one rotational DoF. The proposed mec
Air Guitar Hero
PROTOTYPEPURPOSE: To develop a muscle-computer interface to play the "air" Guitar Hero video game. Researchers at Microsoft Research along with PhD student Scott Samponas have developed a muscle-computer interface that allows individuals with grasping disabilities to control devices without the use of the hands.
TITLE: Microsoft researchers build muscle-computer interface, play air Guitar Hero. AUTHOR: Donald Melanson. WEBSITE: Engadget.com. REF: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/microsoft-rese
Air Mouse
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a cordless mouse that fits on the hand like a glove, designed for use by individuals with repetitive strain injury. The Air Mouse is designed with three main components, the support structure, the tracking device and the mouse click buttons. Designed to replace a corded mouse, a trackball or track pad, all of which hold the hand in an unnatural position. The wearable device works as a mouse only when users hand is in a flat, neutral po
All Mountain Wheel Chair
All Mountain Wheel Chair is designed to meet the travel needs of a person with reduced motor skills in their lower limbs as a result of a spinal cord injury, stroke or cerebral palsy. This chair combines the qualities of a common wheelchair with a sport chair. An additional point of support is provided by the rear wheel. The front wheels measure 26 inches. It has a suspension system that adapts to the weight of the user, and a regulator of camber in the front wheels. The armchair is construc
All Purpose Toy Bar
---- CUSTOMIZED ADAPTATION --------- PURPOSE: To create a customized adaptation of an all-purpose toy bar for a child with severe disabilities. This adaptation was created using a bunch of PVC to put together a giant toy bar. It was made very large so the child’s recliner and stander could be used with it. The dimensions could easily be adjusted to fit any child's needs. The sides are 12 inches wide and the bottom has an extra 5 inch piece of PVC plus a 3-way joint on each side for added stabili
Alternately-Propelled Mechanical Wheelchair
Alternately-Propelled Mechanical Wheelchair (APMW) is a modified wheelchair that incorporates a superior braking system and eliminates complete hand-to-rail contact when moving forward. By incorporating a clutch system engaged by air cylinders, the user can apply a relatively small amount of force to travel further than a traditional wheelchair. The APMW is designed for a range of users, including children of eight years and older, people of diminished upper body capacity, and individuals seeki
American Sign Language Avatar
The American Sign Language Avatar is a digital English-to-American Sign Language (ASL) translator designed to help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate with those who are not. Researchers at DePaul University have combined computer technology and linguistics research to create this avatar, which will be able to provide automatic translations of spoken English into ASL through ASL animation. This way, individuals who are deaf can understand spoken interactions. This avatar, nam
Ami-Go
Ami-Go is a mobile application and wristband device for people who are blind or who have low vision to alert them anytime a friends is nearby. It provides haptic feedback to users to help find their friends, family, and co-workers in public spaces so they can initiate a conversation on a more independent basis.
Ampersand
The Ampersand is a mechanical tool designed for the elderly, those with arthritis or with muscle weakness in the hand to enable them to open caps, tabs, or crown plugs from bottles or cans without any further assistance. This device is made through 3D printing.
Anatomical Leg
The Anatomical Leg is a prosthetic leg for use by individuals with lower extremity disabilities and leg amputees. This prosthesis is a prototype, which includes the foot, ankle, and lower calf, uses robotics to replicate the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. The prosthetic leg is 3D printed nylon, silicone, and lacquer in various colors.
AnemoCheck
AnemoCheck is a point-of-care, patient-operated, self-contained, disposable, diagnostic test for anemia. Each AnemoCheck test kit enables patients to check hemoglobin levels by simply pricking their finger to draw 5 µL of blood into a capillary tube, inserting that tube into a larger tube with a pre-filled chemical solution, mixing, waiting one minute, and assessing the color change of the solution using a reference color scale card included with the kit. Ideally, the test would be able to subje
Angel Faucet
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a hand washing device for individuals who are one handed or had an arm amputated. The Angel Faucet is an electronic faucet with a scrubbing pad designed for use by individuals who have use of only one hand or arm. The sensor-activated tap has a scrubbing pad mounted on top of the spigot that allows the user to scrub and clean the single hand effectively. The pad is made of soft silicon, and it can be removed for cleaning. The flow of wat
Angled Adjustable Wrenches
The Angled Adjustable Wrenches is a printable device intended for users who can't grasp properly or who have muscle deterioration symptoms. The wrench can help the user reach into tight spots. The device can help assist tightening bolts without much use of strength. The device is design to be at a 45 degree angle and a 90 degree angle.
Anple
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype rice cooker for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The rice cooker features three buttons to set the water and heating level and includes a speaker to speak the existing settings so that the visually impaired user can ensure everything is correct. The ANPLEe also has an ergonomic handle to open the cover All the user needs to do is load in the ingredients and set the commands. AUTHOR: Matthew Chung. TITLE: ANPLE Rice Cooker for
Aria
Aria is a bracelet that tightens with sound designed for the hearing impaired who are dependent on assistive listening devices (ALDs) in their daily lives, to alert them of danger. All stages of development were accomplished by May Wilson while studying for her BA degree at Loughborough University.
Arianna Navigation App
The Arianna Navigation App is an app which allows the visually impaired, blind, or people with other disabilities, to move autonomously. Social integration greatly improves by allowing higher independence and autonomous mobility, factors that are a basis for active involvement in the society. It offers two main services to visually impaired people: the guiding service, for allowing the users to follow the trace deployed in the environment; the navigation service, for finding directions towards a
Armassist
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a portable robotic device with matching video game software platform for telerehabilitation for individuals with neuromuscular disabilities such as stroke, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and various others. Researchers in Spain have created ArmAssist, a mobile-based device that connects to the user through an orthotic that then records and measures the movements of the shoulder and elbow. These arm movements are translated to moveme
Arthritis Handle
---- CUSTOMIZED ADAPTATION --------- PURPOSE: To create a custom adapted handle device which allows individuals with arthritis or grasping or upper extremity disabilities to safely support and move cookware around the kitchen. Australian university student, Ching-Hao Hsu, designed the Arthritis Handle. The Arthritis Handle slips over the forearm and allows the user to safely support the cookware on its journey around the kitchen. The Arthritis Handle is made from thermoplastic elastomers and h
Artificial Muscle-Operated (Amo) Arm
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a prosthetic arm that is controlled by the user’s brain signals, and powered by compressed air for individuals who have had an arm amputated or who are otherwise missing an arm. Undergraduate biomedical engineering students; Thiago Caires and Michal Prywata, from Toronto’s Ryerson University have created the Artificial Muscle-Operated (AMO) Arm. The AMO arm offers a greater range of movement than traditional prostheses, doesn’t require
Artificial Skin with Pressure Sensation
Artificial skin is a flexible, skin-like plastic material that can send pressure sensations to the brain. Created by Stanford engineers, this artificial skin can detect how hard it is being pressed and generate an electric Morse code-like signal to deliver this sensory input directly to a living brain cell. It is made up of a two-ply plastic construct: The top layer creates a sensing mechanism and the bottom layer acts as the circuit to transport electrical signals and translate them into bioche
Assistive Bag Holder
The Assistive Bag Holder is a 3-D printable device designed to enable individuals with upper extremity disabilities, reduced dexterity, reduced digital flexibility or grip strength, arthritis, or missing digits to carry grocery bags or any other similar bags. Users with arthritis or missing digits can insert the narrow width of the wrist and turn their wrist to "lock" it in place, allowing them to carry bags without having to physically grip the bag handles.
Astro, the Robotic Dog
Scientists from Florida Atlantic University’s Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics (MPCR) Laboratory are developing Astro, a robotic dog, that could potentially be used as a guide dog for individuals who are blind or have low vision, or as a service animal that provides medical diagnostic monitoring to those who need it. Astro features a 3D-printed head (designed to resemble a Doberman pinscher) that contains a computerized brain. Using artificial intelligence, Astro is being trained throug
Atlas
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a bi-manual rehabilitation glove system to monitor the hand movements of individuals who have experienced stroke. Researchers at Northeastern University have created the Angle Tracking and Location At home System (ATLAS), a bi-manual rehabilitation glove system and tracking device that utilizes two gloves to monitor the hand movements of stroke survivors. The system's creators' eventually intend to release the ATLAS as an at-home testing
Audio-Based Environment Simulator (Abes)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an audio map for individuals who are blind or have low vision to enable them to navigate in unknown places. Researchers at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School have developed software that uses audio signals to convey a map of an area that a blind person will then walk through. The Audio-based Environment Simulator (AbES) is virtual environment software designed to improve real world navigation skills in the
Aust.rail.ia
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To assist individuals with balance or mobility disabilities and generalized weakness stand and negotiate environmental barriers with a portable handrail. Aust.rail.ia is a portable all-purpose rail that can be used indoors or outdoors as a handrail, vehicle barrier, general purpose barrier or a “space-restoring” storage or shelving utility area. It can also be used as a sitting/standing aid. This portable rail requires mounting at one end, eliminating the ne
Auti
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a training toy for children with autism spectrum disorders. Developed by two child specialists at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, Auti is a interactive toy for children with autism over the age of 6 months. It is designed to stimulate their imaginations and teach positive behaviors. Auti is a furry, quadruped toy containing a number of programmable sensors that can detect touch and sound. Auti shuts down in response
Autism Letterboard
Autism Letterboard is a communication tool designed to foster independence and speed up communication time between kids with Autism at school. It is a digitized touchscreen letterboard powered by a Raspberry Pi. Rather than pointing out a letter to an aide, the digital letterboard allows students to touch letters that are then recorded instantly by the computer.?
Auto Shift
AVA
AVA is a communication application that allows the deaf or hearing impaired to participate in group conversations by converting speech to text in real time. It can be used so that the user can participate in situations such as meetings, presentations, and group conversations. AVA works by catching conversations from the voices of different individuals and assigning them a color bubble so the user knows who said what. It works with a distributed microphone system on all devices using the app so t
B-Touch Mobile Phone
The B-Touch Mobile Phone is a multifunctional cellular phone designed for people who are blind. With this device, the visually impaired can perform everyday tasks like talking on the phone, reading a book and recognizing objects with an accessible all-in-one device. It has incorporated braille, voice systems, and optical reading devices. It combines technologies of blind-touch screen (Braille), voice systems and programs to function as regular phone, navi-system, book reader and object recognize
Back to Biking
Back to Biking is adaptive biking designed for people with below the knee amputations to ride a bike.
Balance Stick
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a walking stick that balances so that it can stand independently and not fall over when not in use for individuals with balance, walking or mobility disabilities. The Balance Stick does not fall down and stands very well so that the user does not have to bend to grab it. Additionally, this device does not require the user to keep holding onto it in order for it stand independently, creating a hands-free benefit. The area onbottom end of
Balance Training System For Children
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a balance training system for children with disabilities using Wii balance board technology. Students from Rice University linked together five Wii balance boards to a computerized motion tracking system and developed a game based on this system to help children advance their balance skills. The boards are lined up in a row between active handrails that provide feedback on how heavily users depend on their arms. The game requires the use
Ball Stylus Rev 4
The Ball Stylus Rev 4 is a prototype designed for people who have difficulty extending a finger to operate a tablet, and have difficulty gripping a standard stylus. It is printed with conductive PLA from Protopasta. The ball stylus can be customized for ball size, stylus length, and surface smoothness that will work with a touch screen device.
Bare Conductive
Bare Conductive is an East London engineering and designing studio. They developed a digital musical instrument accessible to everyone, including those with physical disabilities. The new technology allows an artist to express himself freely through music, regardless of physical limitations. It is one of the first instruments that is accessible for all people, enabling everyone to experience the healing power of music. This instrument was built using Bare Conductive’s Touch Board and Electric Pa
Barrier Free Bathtub
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a barrier free bathtub for older adults or people with balance, lower extremity or mobility disabilities. The Barrier Free Bathtub has collapsible side walls to facilitate entry and exit of the tub. When entering the bath, the user sits down like sitting on a bed then moves his or her legs into the bathtub. The user then moves a switch located adjacent to the faucets to raise the tub walls. Once the walls are in place, the tub can be fil
Baxter
Baxter is a prototype device to explore how robots can help blind people and visually impaired more effectively navigate urban environments. This improves the lives of blind people who are otherwise fearful of exploring unfamiliar environments and performing necessary tasks associated with urban living – crossing the street, sorting bus tickets or finding the right storefront. The robot figures out what bus ticket is needed and slides it in front of the blind person, telling the person “I am sli
BBeep
---- PROTOTYPE ---------BBeep is a Sonic Collision Avoidance System consisting of a smart suitcase, coupled with a camera and the NavCog way-finding smartphone application designed help people with visual disabilities navigate airport terminals safely and independently. NavCog, uses Bluetooth technology to create a beacon system that helps users navigate their way through the airport terminal. The beacons help the app provide audio directions around the airport, which includes detailed instructi
Bci Music
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an adapted brain-computer interface (BCI) device which allows individuals with paralysis and/or severe disabilities play music by brain power alone. Developed by Eduardo Miranda at the University of Plymouth Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR) in the United Kingdom, this BCI device allows individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, muscular disorders, and paralysis to participate in creating music. Miranda’s ins
Be-B Braille Educaton Ball
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype educational game/toy to assist in sighted, visually-impaired, and blind individuals to learn Braille characters. The prototype, be-B: Braille Education Ball was created for and entered in Game Changers Competition for global game design held by DESIGN 21. The be-B: Braille Education Ball is a method for both blind and sighted users to learn the Braille system using a challenging and educational game. The be-B consists of a ball and 26 magne
Bed Hoyer Lift
The Bed Hoyer Lift is a prototype designed for those individuals with multiple sclerosis and wheelchair users to get in and out of bed efficiently and effectively. Existing solutions are expensive and require her to anchor a lift into the ceiling of her bedroom and depending on a caregiver is not always reliable. The problem affects Victoria's ability to get to school. The new lift functions like a hoyer lift which allows her to lift herself up from her bed, maneuver to her side, and transfer he
BedPhrame Lift
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a lightweight, portable lift to allow wheelchair user’s access to high hotel beds. The device allows a wheelchair seat to be raised to be equal to the top of a luxury hotel mattress. Any height bed up to 36 inches is made accessible. It weighs 110 pounds, has four wheels and is comparable in size as a rollaway cot. A user would place the lift next to the bed, back the wheelchair into it, and the lift raises to the level of the bed. A remote controls th
Beethoven Phone
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of communication device to enable individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate directly with others. The Beethoven Phone is a keyboard communicator designed for use by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing who find it difficult to communicate with others through sign language and other people with communication disabilities. The Beethoven Phone allows the user to type in his or her message which is relayed to another per
Beginner Sight Words Letter Match
Beity
Beity is a trauma management kit designed for use by children who have experienced as traumatic life event. It is portable, solar powered, and uses psychiatrist-consulted content like guided audio meditation to mitigate stress response. Simple augmented reality toys — like a fish that appears in the meditation — go with the laser-cut structure, which looks like a dollhouse. Yes, you could run it on an iPad, but it was important for the device to have no retail value. Inside, content is loaded o
Bike Exerciser
The Bike Exerciser is designed to provide a piece of fitness equipment that is both enjoyable and motivating for a child with learning disabilities who is overweight and does not exercise often. The operating mechanisms of the Bike Exerciser are two four-bar linkages with a crank rocker; one on the left side and one on the right. The four-bar linkage consists of three moving links, one fixed link, and four pin joints. The handles, peddles, and cranks are moving links, while the body frame is
Binaural FM System with Handheld Microphone
This Binaural FM System with Handheld Microphone is a communication system designed for hard of hearing students to hear what their teacher is saying through wireless earphones. This FM System is comprised of a wireless microphone that the teacher wears, and tiny FM radio receivers that fit smoothly and discreetly onto a student's personal hearing aid(s). The teachers voice is picked up by the wireless microphone and sent wirelessly to the student's FM receivers. This received signal is then amp
Bionic Glasses
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of normal-looking pair of glasses to enhance vision for individuals with certain types of low vision using similar technology developed for mobile phones and gaming. Exhibited at the Summer Science Exhibition in Oxford, England, the Bionic Glasses enhance vision for individuals who are blind or have little to no vision left. The glasses are appropriate for common types of visual impairment such as age-related macular degeneration and diabet
Birdie Buddy
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a wheelchair mount for a camera and binoculars for an avid photographer and birdwatcher with quadriplegia. The Birdie Buddy clamps securely to a bar on the wheelchair base frame, holds a camera or binoculars at eye level, and folds down along the side of the wheelchair when not in use. This device supports the weight of the camera or binoculars, convenient switching between the two pieces of equipment, and an adjustable viewing angle. T
Blind Reader
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype text-to-Braille converter for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Blind Reader is a device that looks like a smartphone but functions like a text-to-Braille converter. The user skims the device over a paper publication, and the device uses optical character recognition to "read" the text. The back of the Blind Reader is refreshable Braille display. The device translates the text to Braille which appears on the back of the Brai
Blind Spot
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a "smart" white cane that integrates a mobile phone, wireless technologies, and Bluetooth technology to improve the social lives of individuals who have low vision or are blind. BlindSpot appears to be an ordinary white cane but incorporates the features of a GPS-enabled smartphone with a tactile and audio interface to let a user walk more confidently while navigating social settings a little more easily than usual. BlindSpot offers a fr
Blind-Drivable Vehicle
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a car that can be driven independently by blind and visually impaired individuals. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, College of Engineering (Virginia Tech) has partnered to demonstrate the first-street vehicle equipped with technology allowing a blind person to drive independently. The NFB Jernigan Institute—the only research and training facility on blindness operated by
Blood Buddy
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a child-friendly glucose meter for children with diabetes or other blood-sugar related conditions. For adults with diabetes, checking blood glucose levels up to 10 times a day can be bothersome, but for children the painful finger pricking can be especially difficult. The Blood Buddy is designed to make glucose testing a little easier for children. The testing device takes the form of a whimsical character that appears to "chomp" on the
Bob-1
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a prosthetic device that allows children who have no fingers write with a pen or pencil. A team of girl scouts from Iowa, ages 11 through 13, came up with a design that assisted a 3-year-old girl born without fingers on her right hand to write. The device, called BOB-1, is a platform strapped to an arm with a cylindrical holder that can be used to hold a pen, pencil, or similar tool. With the device attached to her hand, the three-year-o
Braille "Kindle"
The Braille "Kindle" is an eReader designed for the blind that allows them to feel text and images on the screen on a Kindle-like device. Researchers are still developing this device. A braille e-book is a refreshable braille display using electroactive polymers or heated wax rather than mechanical pins to raise braille dots on a display.
Braille Buddy
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an educational device to assist individuals who are blind or have low vision to transition into Braille literacy. The Braille Buddy is a 2-phase educational device aimed to assist individuals who are blind or low vision with the most difficult stages of learning Braille (e.g., reading and writing). The Braille Buddy folds down into an easy-to-hold device that expands to and includes the Braille cell and the Braille keyboard. In Stage 1,
Braille Credit Card
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a Braille credit card to be used by individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Braille Credit Card is a refined version of the Blind CC, but from a different designer. This card is sleek and easy to carry with dimensions similar to a regular credit card. It displays each transaction on a refreshable braille display and reconfirms it with audio feedback. It also will calculate tip amounts and currency conversion. The braille displ
Braille Interpreter
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a Braille interpreter for individuals who are blind or visually impaired who cannot read Braille. The Braille Interpreter is a single-finger glove featuring a tactile sensor, a Bluetooth headphone and interpreting software allowing individuals with sight impairments to read Braille. The index finger portion of the glove contains the tactile sensor, which is skimmed over the Braille text and sends data to a small computer housed on the ba
Braille Label
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of Braille clothing tag for use by people who are blind or have low vision. The Braille Label provides information about clothes, simple washing instructions and textile details for individuals who are blind or have low vision. This Braille Label prototype was a 2012 International Forum (iF) Design Talents entry. TITLE: Clothes Tag Get Braille! WEBSITE: Yanko Design. REF: http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/10/29/clothes-tag-get-braille.
Braille Punch Sticker
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of Braille label maker for use by individuals who are blind or with low vision. The Braille Punch Sticker is a braille labeler that is shaped to easily fit in the hand of the user. It has braille instructions on the side, six embossing buttons in two rows of three, a cutter, a spacebar, and a push button. TITLE: Braille Punch Sticker. WEBSITE: Yanko Design. REF: http://www.yankodesign.com/2011/01/31/braille-punch-sticker.
Braille Sight
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an eyewear system that translates images into tactile feedback for users who are blind or with low-vision. The Braille Sight uses an eyewear system that looks like glasses frames (Frame of Sight) to capture images and then translates those images into tactile images on a handheld pad shaped like the lenses (Braille Pad). TITLE: Trendy Braille Eyewear. WEBSITE: Yanko Design. REF: http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/02/14/trendy-braille-eyewea
Braille Smartphone
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a Braille smartphone for individuals who are blind or have low vision. 2011 TED Fellow and interaction design graduate of the National Institute of Design (NID) Sumit Dagar is collaborating with the IIT Delhi to create a prototype of the world's first Braille smartphone with a completely tactile display. The phone, which has yet to be officially named, has a tactile screen comprised of a grid of pins that move up and down under a soft me
Braille Sol
Braille Sol is designed for use by individuals who are blind. Braille translation programs exist, but team Braille Sol wanted to make a haptic device that allows greater control of a phone or tablet. The Arduino Uno at the heart of the device can be connected via Bluetooth or serial port, and the pins are actuated by solenoids.
Braille Stapler
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of Braille writer that is portable and can be used anywhere by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Braille Stapler is portable, six-button braille embosser that includes a space button and functions tab for controlling the size of the Braille. The design expedites the writing process” and the Braille need not be written and/or read in reverse. TITLE: Writing Braille Anywhere. WEBSITE: Yanko Design. REF: http://www.yankodesig
Braille Tape
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of braille tape to be used by individuals who are blind or low-vision. Braille Tape is a sticky tape with parallel dots that can be hand punched to write a Braille message. This device allow for individuals who are blind or low vision to label items and areas within their environment. First, the user adheres a length of Braille Tape onto an object, and cuts the strip to the desired length. Next, the user presses down on protuberant dots, l
Braille-Only Rubik Cube
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of the traditional Rubik Cube toy using only Braille characters for individuals with visual impairment and/or blindness. A previous version created by a Yanko designer used textures; however, in this Braille-only version the colors are embossed and include green, blue, red, yellow, white, and pink. This device is a wonderful concept which allows users to learn Braille and/or just have a good time playing a classic game from the 1980s. TITL
brailleBOT
The brailleBOT, a prototype developed by the UNC-Chapel Hill 2012 Senior Design Group, is an educational, electronic toy designed to help children with visual impairments learn Braille and phonics. Also known as AlphaBraille, the brailleBOT provides both audio and tactile feedback, allowing the child to feel the textures of the full Braille alphabet while simultaneously listening to a melodic description of each character. When the child inserts one of the 26 puzzle pieces into the device, brail
BrailleTouch
BrailleTouch is a prototype app that allows visually impaired people to easily type or text without looking at the screen. It is based on the familiar six-key braille keyboard, as found on the Perkins Brailler and many electronic braille notetakers. With BrailleTouch, a user can send text messages, emails, and tweets from the BrailleTouch keyboard, and copy the text they type in braille to paste into any other app on their iPhone.
Braillewise Signage System
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a Braille signage system to assist individuals who are blind or have low vision to navigate airline lavatories. Airplane lavatories can be challenging to navigate for any traveler, but for individuals who are blind or have low vision they can be especially difficult to navigate. Designers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University have developed an easy to use system that helps readers of Braille know where everything is once they enter the lav
Brain Cap
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype an Electroencephalography (EEG) “brain cap” technology that allows an individual to transfer one’s thoughts into motion. Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a prototype “brain cap” that can transform thoughts into motion using brain signals captured from the cap’s EEG sensors that are attached to user's scalp. The computer connected to the brain cap reconstructs 3D hand movements so that one can control a computer’s curso
Brain Interface Glasses Eye Tracking System
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a brain controlled interface pair of glasses that can be used by individuals with severe mobility disabilities and neurological disorders to control a computer. The glasses were created from off-the-shelf materials by PhD student William Abbott and Dr. Aldo Faisal, a lecturer in neurotechnology at Imperial College in the United Kingdom. The system has two basic components: (1) an eye tracking system that an individual wears on his or her
Brain Interface Steering System For Wheelchair
PROTOTYPEPURPOSE: To develop a hands-free wheelchair steering system through brain wave activity for persons with limited mobility. Toyota, in collaboration with other researchers in Japan, has developed one of the fastest systems for analyzing brain waves. This new technology requires only 125 milliseconds (125 thousandths of a second) to read brain waves. An individual uses the prototype system by placing a cap on his or her head that reads brain signals through an electroencephalograph (EEG)
Brain Scanning Speller
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype a brain-scanning speller for individuals who have communication or neurological disabilities or have experienced stroke or brain injury. Researchers at Maastricht University in the Netherlands have developed a device that provides people who are completely unable to speak or move at all with a means to communicate. The device builds upon previous work using functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) technology. FMRI is a non-invasive technique that m
Brain Tap
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a wearable gaming glove for individuals with rheumatic conditions such as arthritis. BrainTap is a wearable gaming device that combines physical and mental exercise and encourages exercise for individuals with chronic arthritis. BrainTap is a wearable system that is made up of a glove, outfitted with LEDs and motors for haptic feedback, and is linked to a retro-looking device. This device will in turn relay a light pattern (red, green, b
BrainAble
BrainAble was developed by a multi-disciplinary team of therapists, researchers and engineers on the frontier of neuroscience, signal processing, assistive technologies and automatic learning and is already having an impact on the growing market of accessible, inclusive and assistive products from an innovative perspective. BrainAble has demonstrated the benefits that advanced technologies bring to people with physical disabilities so severe that they cannot interact with their environment (home
Brainovi
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a Braille and voice output navigation map for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Brainovi is a Braille navigation map that uses a combination of verbal instructions and touch display, to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired greater freedom and independence while traveling alone. All the user needs to do is "speak" his or her destination into the device and wait for a 3-D map to pop-up, allowing him or he
Braun Bell Concept Mug
The Braun Bell Concept Mug is a product designed for the blind to solve the problem of burning themselves with coffee. There are sensors built in to let the person know how much liquid is in the mug.
Car For The Blind
Using robotics, laser rangefinders, GPS, and smart feedback tools, Dennis Hong is building a car for drivers who are blind. He is careful to note that it is not a "self-driving" car, but a car in which a non-sighted driver can determine speed, proximity and route — and drive independently. Professor at Purdue University (2002) Dennis Hong, PhD is developing a car that can actually be driven by the blind. The aim is to integrate several computer systems, sensors, and cameras to observe the enviro
Carpal Skin
The Carpal Skin is a prototype protective globe designed for use by individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injury, or ulnar and radial nerve palsy. The splint is recommended for patients with carpal tunnel release surgery. Carpal Skin is a process by which to map the pain-profile of a particular patient—its intensity and duration—and to distribute hard and soft materials to fit the patient’s anatomical and physiological requirements.
CARRIER Wheelchair
Designers Julia Kaisinger, Mathias Mayrhofer and Benesch Xiulian worked together to create the CARRIER Wheelchair to insure the user is completely independent and capable of traveling over any terrain and in any situation. The “Galileo Wheel” adds climbing traction to climb the stairs. The standing position allows the user to be at eye level of other people as well as adding the ability to reach things that previously could not reached from a seated position. Another design element would elimina
Carrier Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To develop a prototype robotic wheelchair which allows individuals with mobility disabilities and wheelchair users greater independence and the capacity to traverse any terrain and situation. Developed as semester project at the University of Applied Arts in the Studio Industrial Design 2 Esslinger (www.creativednaaustria.com). The CARRIER wheelchair’s frame is specifically shaped to maneuver over a commode and adapted with a “trap door” allowing the user to us
Carry Crutches
Carry Crutches are for use by individuals who use crutches to for ambulation. It is 3D printed a mechanical gimbal designed for carrying drinks on crutches. In addition, the designers developed a computer-controlled version, which uses a battery, two servos, an Arduino Uno and a MPU-6050 gyro and accelerometer sensor. A third variation included a laser-cut tray with holes for cups and utensils.
Catapult
The Catapult is a lever drive wheelchair designed for people with balance disabilities. It a prototype that uses both the upward and downward motion of the levers to move the chair forward. The brake is on the right handle and the gear shift is attached to the left handle, which brakes both back wheels simultaneously. The steering for the wheelchair is controlled via the user’s feet offering people with physical disabilities the opportunity to play sports and not live such a sedentary life. In t
CellScope Oto (formerly known as Remotoscope)
CellScope Oto™ (formerly known as Remotoscope) is a smartphone otoscope system. A simple clip-on system converts a standard smartphone into a digital otoscope with data transmission that enables diagnosis by a remote physician. With high-quality imaging and the ubiquity of wireless communication, a smartphone otoscope presents a cost effective and medically sound solution.
Chair 4 Life
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a modular wheelchair that "grows" with the user allowing for independence over the lifespan. Through the United Kingdom's National Health Service, the Renfrew Group developed a new type of powered wheelchair with the Department of Health, as part of the Department's Innovation Health and Wealth program. Renfrew won a government contract to design a chair which maximizes the mobility and independence of children with disabilities as they
Chair Call
Chair Call is an app designed for wheelchair users to call a wheelchair to ones' bedside or back out of the way - clearing space for visitors.
Chairless Chair
The Chairless Chair allows users to switch between an active sitting, standing, and walking position. It can be used by older adults who need additional, ergonomic sitting support. It can reduce back pain, and assist the user in sitting.
Cheetah Walker: Transitional Walking Device
The Cheetah Walker serves as a training device for children with mild Cerebral Palsy, for use by the client coordinator at a hospital. It provides a child-friendly device with which children with cerebral palsy may transition from a traditional, follow-behind walker to hand canes, and thereby improve their quality of life and independence. The Cheetah Walker helps children develop the upper body movement necessary to walk with a cane, while providing the stability of a four-leg walker.
Chess Set For Individuals Who Are Blind Or Have Low Vision
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of chess set for individuals who are blind or low vision to enjoy the fun, interactive experience of playing chess. The chess set is comprised of textured magnets that hold the pieces in place and indicate the direction of play. The white pieces are composed of matte steel and the black pieces are hardwood, making them identifiable by heat and texture. The magnet strength has been adjusted so the amount of “stick” will indicate what color
Cleaning Assistant
The Cleaning Assistant is designed to be used by persons with physical and cognitive disabilities whose condition(s) require the use of a diaper. The Cleaning Assistant allows for an individual’s caregiver to clean his underbody quickly and easily after a bowel movement. A toilet-mounted device system consists of four nozzles for pressurized water spray and two nozzles for soap spray. The water system is supplied by the existing hot and cold water supply that goes to the bathroom sink, thus a
Co-Robotic Navigation Aid for the Visually Impaired
The Co-Robotic Navigation Aid for the Visually Impaired is a co-robotic navigation aid that enhances mobility for visually and physically impaired. The goal is to develop a co-robotic cane for the visually impaired that has enhanced navigation capabilities and that can relay critical information about the environment to its user.
Coffee Break
Coffee Break is a unique coffee maker designed for individuals with hand tremors to make a cup of coffee the way they like. The TOM team designed a conveyor belt coffee maker that makes the coffee the way the user likes.
Comb Multifolding Wheelchair
The Comb Multifolding Wheelchair is prototype meant to be fully adjustable and functional. This concept wheelchair can be adjusted for the user’s comfort, needs, and even folded down to a tiny compact size that would fit any small vehicle for transportation.
Combination Safe 00
The Combination Safe 00 is designed for the blind or the visually impaired to keep items safe. The device features a ratchet mechanism that makes it easier for any user to line up the numbers precisely. The ratchet means the rings only rotate one way but if turned in the opposite direction the ratchet will hold the rings at precise increments. The ratchet also makes a pleasing clicking sound as it rotates, this means it's possible to simply count the clicks as you turn the ring rather than const
Combination Seed Dispenser And Planting Mechanism
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a seeding system for employees with developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injury working in a greenhouse. The employees perform a variety of tasks that involve planting and growing crops. The employees plant seeds in flats, consisting of 12 trays of 2 x 2 inch cells for a total of 48 cells per flat. Each employee seeds two to three flats per day. The seeds are small and difficult to discern from the soil. The employees have varyi
Communication Application
The Communication Application is designed for Phuong and other individuals with speech disabilities to communicate their desires, wants and needs to others.
Compression Vest
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of dynamic compression vest for children with autism. This dynamic compression vest was designed to provide sensory integration to children with autism in order to help them process sensory input in an organized way. The vest allowed for the application of the compression to vary so the child did not assimilate to it. The vest could be set to timed intervals and be worn all day. This feature reduced the need to remove the vest frequently so
Computer Interactive Reminiscence And Conversation Aid (Circa)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Based in an interactive multimedia computer system this prototype aims to stimulate persons with dementia and memory disabilities to have more enjoyable and rewarding conversations between their caregivers. A team of searchers from Scotland has developed a Computer Interactive Reminiscence and Conversation Aid (CIRCA). CIRCA is compromised of a simple touch-screen with easy-to-follow instructions and requires no IT competence. When switched on, CIRCA displays a
Computer Interface Music Maker
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To develop a computer interface that tracks the movement of a user’s head, allowing them to produce electronic sounds and compose music on a virtual keyboard. Working with a team of musicians and programmers; Zane Van Dusen, Rensselaer Polytech Institute senior, creates a device to be used by individuals with severe mobility disabilities. This prototype allows individuals with severe mobility disabilities to express his or her creativity through music. The user
Convenient Pill Box
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a convenient pill box for individuals who are elderly and/or for individuals with disabilities. The Convenient Pill Box combines the convenience of carrying a person's daily dose of medications and vitamin supplements with a water bottle by integrating the pill case as a bottle cap. The pill box's ergonomic triangular shape makes the bottle easy to open. There is a manual rotary date counter (month and day) in the center of the triangle
Convertible
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype a convertible ramp for individuals with mobility or lower extremity disabilities or spinal cord injury and others who use a wheelchair. The Convertible is a ramp that can be installed of a flight of functional stairs. It has several moveable plates that lay flat on each step; however, when a lever is pulled, these plates rotate to interlock into a single inclined plane, forming an access ramp that spans the flight of stairs. The device has
Cozy Calm
The Cozy Calm is a blanket inspired by the lead blanket that is worn for x-rays, made out of sewn lead. The Cozy Calm is a weighted blanket so that the wearer feels safew and calm through sensory integration
Credit Card For The Blind
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an electronic credit card/reader for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Credit Card for the Blind uses a miniature scanner and fingerprint recognition software to verify the cardholder’s fingerprint as their signature. A Braille display allows the user to read the details of the transaction, and the card's built-in speaker says the name or type of the products being bought, thus giving the user a complete account of the tr
Crutch Chair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of crutches which can transform into a seat to rest the user's tired legs for individuals with mobility, lower extremity or walking disabilities or a person recovering from an injury. These forearm crutches are made from plastic polymer and have an arch-type construction so that the hand grips can be joined together to form a small seat. The user can lean the joined crutches up against a wall to form a seat on which the individual can lean
Cumulus
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a multi-mode headphone for adults with autism. Cumulus is a stylish headphone designed for autistic adults, where the headband goes round the neck and it has a galvanic skin sensor. This sensor helps determine the rise of temperature or heart rate in order to better understand the mental conditioning of the autistic adult, at that given moment. The way the headphones wrap around the user’s ears also provides a sense of comfort and securi
Cursum Stroller
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a stroller adapted for a wheelchair to be used by individuals with lower extremity and mobility disabilities, spinal cord injury, and others who use wheelchairs. The Cursum stroller, a wheelchair adaptive stroller, is designed to be used in tandem with a wheelchair. It connects to the front of a wheelchair. Swivel wheels, complete height adjustment, attention to comfort and visibility, and advanced safety features give parents with disab
Custom Adaptation Camera
This Camera is a custom adaptation designed for those individuals with quadriplegics to film productions independently. It was designed for Bob Ness, a video producer for 20-plus years, and this adaption allows him to use a physical camera. The team used existing products and components and adapted a camera tripod mounted to a lamp to counterbalance the weight of the camera - that allows him to position his camera anywhere in space. He can now lift up-down, side-to-side, tilt and change the angl
Custom Child's Prothesis
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a custom prosthetic leg extension for a child with proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD). A 5-year-old boy with one leg significantly shorter than the other due to PFFD received a new prosthetic extension designed specifically for him. The boy's traditional prosthesis makes his legs the same length but does not aid in the boy's mobility. The leg created by engineering students at Purdue University uses an innovative gearbox design to
Custom Designed Prosthetic Legs
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of custom designed prosthetic legs for amputees. Bespoke Innovations, currently in "prototype and Beta phase", utilizes layering 3D printers to construct personalized prostheses. The user can take part in creating the device, including choosing the look, pattern, and texture. TITLE: Company Creates Personalized Prosthetic Legs. WEBSITE: medGadget. REF: http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2010/12/company_creates_personalized_p....
Custom Powered Scooter
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype a custom powered scooter for an child with Thrombocytopenia with Absent Radius (TAR) syndrome that assists him in traveling but is not as cumbersome and restrictive as a powered wheelchair. The Custom Powered Scooter is modified from an E200 Razor electric scooter. Custom additions include a free-wheel mechanism, adjustable seat, auxiliary wheels, extended handlebar, and foot-mounted brake and accelerator controls. A one-way bearing incorpo
Daily Living Reporting System (Adlrs)
The Daily Living Reporting System (ADLRS) is utilized to monitor task-oriented behavior of individuals who are at risk for injuries in their homes due to disabilities. The ADLRS utilizes a system of unobtrusive electronic sensors, microprocessors, and wireless technologies to record, track, store, and analyze key functional behaviors, and then post the information to a PIN-protected secure website. The system is able to record the individual’s movement and interactions with objects in the envir
Dance Assist
The Dance Assist is a prototype designed for those individuals with balance disabilities to help them dance again without falling. It was developed at a Tikkun Olam Makers' make-a-thon. It was made using 3D printing and other design and fabrication processes, by designers, programmers, engineers, physiotherapists, medical doctors and psychologists. It was created for Zarita, a disabled veteran. She becomes dizzy and can no longer dance for fear of falling and injuring herself. She needed a stabi
DEKA Arm System
The DEKA Arm System, or the LUKE arm is an advanced prosthetic arm that has up to 10 powered degrees of freedom including a powered shoulder, humeral rotator, and multi-movement wrist. The arm offers state-of-the-art flexibility, strength, and dexterity to provide greater independence for people with forearm through shoulder-level amputations. The LUKE arm incorporates the latest technology in electronics, motors, batteries, and materials. It is a less-than-eight-pound prosthetic, advanced robot
Dementia Organization Care System
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an organizational aid to assist individuals with dementia organize items essential to daily life. The Dementia Organization Care System is designed to eliminate the distress caused from the confusion of individuals with dementia. The design process involved meeting with occupational therapists to discuss the issues with current commercial products and the layout of home environments. Multiple sketches and designs were presented to a prof
Disability Friendly Pen Holder
The Disability Friendly Pen Holder is designed to help user with motor movement/dexterity difficulties to hold or grip a pen. The device is intended to help users eventually gain a better grip of a pen, allowing them to put their energy into writing and less into holding the pen.
Dissolving Stent
Dissolving Stent is a bioabsorbable stent designed to treat obstructions in blood vessels of pediatric patients that provides the benefit of stenting and removes the risks associated with a permanent implant (i.e., the need to re-intervene and the long term clinical management of the patient). The development of a bioabsorbable stent system for the treatment of PAS represents a shift in modification of adult product for use in pediatrics to development of a novel system specifically designed for
Diy Wireless Typing Glove
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a wireless typing glove for individuals who type on a smartphone or computer one-handed and individuals with upper extremity or fine motor disabilities. G.A.U.N.T.L.E.T. (Generally Accessible Universal Nomadic Tactile Low-power Electronic Typist) is a do-it-yourself wireless typing glove that was developed by a pair of former design students and is in the beta stage of development. G.A.U.N.T.L.E.T. allows users to type on any smartphone
Doodle Bug
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an inexpensive writing aid for individuals with hand injuries, congenital malformations, or arthritis to assist with holding a pen or pencil when writing. The Doodle Bug is a sturdy and child-friendly device with a wooden base covered with felt on one side; a hole in which to place a pen, pencil, or crayon; and a ball-bearing caster attached to the bottom of the wooden base allowing for easy mobility. The writing implement can be easily
Doze
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a sleep positioner for children with disabilities, particularly those children who experience muscle tension and loss of muscle tone. Doze is a sleep positioner that assists with side-lying posture at bedtime. The pod-like design decreases the risk of sleeping in awkward positions that may interfere with growth, put pressure on the spine, as well as affect air flow resulting in breathing problems. The Doze design is inspired by the armad
Dreamfit Motorcycle
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a motorcycle that can be used by individuals with paraplegia. Inspired by a paraplegic ex-motorcross champion, West Australian Darren Lomman established a project to create a motocycle for paraplegic riders based on a heavily modified Honda CBR250RR. The prototype is road licensed and operational and has the potential to become a commercial product. Started as a university project, the Dreamfit CBR250RR has been modified to suit riders p
Due Kettle
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a tea kettle for elderly and/or individuals with disabilities. The Due Kettle is an electric kettle that features dual handles on opposite sides of the kettle to allow the user to grip it with two hands. Additionally, its spring-loaded lid only opens when tilted to pour. TITLE: Tea at any age! WEBSITE: Yanko Design. REF: http://www.yankodesign.com/2013/07/03/tea-at-any-age.
E Z Open Door Lever Adaptor
The E Z Open Door Lever Adaptor is designed for users who can't grasp properly or who have muscle deterioration symptoms to allow users to open doors without any force. The 3D printable device is compatible with a common Qwikset 1.875 inch (47.6 millimeter) diameter round door knob.
E-Paw
The E-Paw, or the Expandable Portable Accessible Washroom, is a portable outhouse that expands to four times the normal size to make room for a wheelchair, stroller, or caregiver, then folds back down when the event or festival is done. This can be useful for wheelchair users or individuals with disabilities that have a caregiver.
E-Touch
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a walking cane with an integrated navigation system for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The E-Touch is a touch sensitive and interactive system designed to make navigating in an urban environment easier. The device features an SD card slot where an individual can load maps into the device. The E-Touch beams out guided turn-by-turn directions for the user via a wireless earpiece and tactile feedback through the triangle prot
Earclip-Type Wearable Pc
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a personal computer that is worn on the ear and can be controlled without hands for use by amputees, individuals with grasping difficulties, fine motor skills or paraplegics. The Earclip-type wireless device has bluetooth capability and is equipped with a GPS, compass, gyro-sensor, battery, barometer, speaker and microphone. The device uses infrared sensors that monitor tiny movements inside the ear, which differ depending on how the eye
Easiseat
The Easiseat is a home furniture piece that helps individuals use the toilet and have increased mobility in the home. It is designed for individuals with decreased mobility. The main feature is the toilet accessibility. While the individual is sitting on the seat, the seat moves onto the toilet. The person attached to the seat using a shoulder holder then is lifted up by the arms of the chair. The seat then moves away from toilet bowl leaving the user suspended over the bowl. The user is then lo
Easy Eye Drops
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an eye drop dispenser to assist people who have the use of only one hand, fine motor disabilities, or have other difficulties applying eye drops into the eye. Easy Eye Drops is an eye medicine dropper that allows and individual to dispense the liquid into the eye using just one hand. This device has two hinged plastic flaps that are located on opposite sides of the nozzle of the dispenser. When an eye is closed, the flaps are placed gent
Easy Stroll
The Easy Stroll is a universal Connector that links a Wheelchair and a Baby stroller. It is designed for individuals with mobility disabilities, walking disabilities, or lower extremity disabilities who use a wheelchair to travel outdoors independently with their child. This small rod-like device has locking clasps on either end - one to clasp the bar between the front two wheels of the parent’s wheelchair and the second to clasp the bottom bar located on the back of the baby’s stroller. Once se
EAZ Disabled Mobility Device
The EAZ Disabled Mobility Device concept eliminates the discomfort and disregard of riding a wheelchair that usually physically disabled persons experience. The mobility device is a combination of a wheelchair and a walker designed for people with moderate disabilities who find it difficult getting around. These users include; the injured and people recovering from an operation to the frail, old aged, and the slightly disabled such as sufferers of multiple sclerosis, Arthritis, or Chronic Obstru
ECHO Sonar and ECHO City system
ECHO Sonar is a prototype navigation device developed for those without sight that uses echolocation to enhance auditory cues for the blind. It helps blind users navigate through their surrounding area, fit with the modern city rhythm, and increase the quality of one's life. Echolocation is a method of perceiving the world by emitting noises, then listening to the reflections of these noises off objects in the environment. The ECHO City System includes all levels in improvement of wayfinding and
Echolocation Training Game
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an echolocation trainer for children and adults who are blind or have low vision. Echolocation is a method by which humans and some type of animals (such as bats and dolphins) can navigate their environment by making sounds and determining the location of objects based on the echos of that sound. The Echolocation Trainer was designed as a learning game for parents with children who have visual disabilities. The game can assist in develop
ECTtracker
The ECTtracker is an eye-tracking software application designed to help individuals with paralysis or significantly impaired mobility communicate their needs exclusively through eye movements. It first takes into consideration the current state of the eyes (open, closed, or one eye opened). Then the application ttransmits the corresponding key control codes to any receiving software within the system, such as ECTkeyboard, a program that allows individuals with reduced motor skills to select char
El Tucura Off-Road Trike
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an off-road hand-propelled tricycle for individuals with paraplegia or other mobility disabilities. The El Tucura ("the Grasshopper") is a hand-propelled trike that provides paraplegic users the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of off-road, downhill, mountain biking. The El Tucura’s crank handle drive allows hands to be free for steering while accelerating. The three 180-millimeter disc brakes and a 250-millimeter suspension provide add
El-E: An Assistive Object Fetching Robot For Human Environments
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design an assistive robot (El-E) that takes advantage of common flat surface structures in order to retrieve unmodeled, everyday objects for people with motor impairments. El-E is able translate its manipulator and associated sensors to different heights, which enables it to grasp objects on a variety of surfaces, such as the floor and tables, using the same perception and manipulation strategies. The robot can approach an object selected with the laser poin
Electric Elevation Assist And Spasticity Control Arm
The Electric Elevation Assist and Spacticity Control Arm (EEASCA) is designed as an augmentative mechanical arm support for an 11-year old boy who has dystonic cerebral palsy with choreoathetoid movement. A previous arm support system was not comfortable, and movement was restricted to only the horizontal plane. A device that would restrict the consumer’s spasticity, but allow him to raise and lower his arm so he is able to perform day-to-day tasks is needed. The device had to be able to be re
Electrical Outlet Connector
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an electrical outlet connector to assist individuals with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Parkinson`s disease to plug in everyday electrical devices. The concept behind this project is to reduce the stress factors that come from the pushing and pulling required to plug in electrical devices into most standard U.S. and Canadian electrical outlets, which is also an easily assembled, manufacturable device. The
Electrically-Assisted Human-Powered Vehicle
A multi-purpose four-wheeled two-passenger electrically assisted human-powered vehicle (EHPV) prototype is created to be used by people with physical disabilities, such as a person who does not have full strength in his or her legs. Additionally, the EHPV can also be used as a rehabilitation device, where an instructor can aid in pedaling the vehicle. The EHPV also functions as an alternate form of transportation for the environmentally conscious consumer, and is suitable as a recreational vehi
Electronic Skin (e-skin)
Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) have developed electronic skin (e-skin), a thin, translucent material that can mimic the function and mechanical properties of human skin. Made of polyimine laced with silver nanoparticles, CU Boulder’s e-skin has sensors embedded in the material for measuring pressure, temperature, humidity and air flow. The e-skin is re-healable when damaged, fully recyclable at room temperature, and malleable enough to conform to curved surfaces
Electronic Tactile Balance Vest
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype electronic tactile balance vest for individuals with balance disabilities. Researchers at UCLA’s Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT) are developing a vest that could improve the rehabilitation process while an individual is at the clinic and then go home with them afterward.
UCLA's tactile vest is self-contained and portable, sporting the electronic control system, accelerometers across the shoulders, and pneu
Electronic Walking Aid
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an electric walking aid for individuals with mobility and balance disabilities. Murata Manufacturing, inspired by previous standalone robot designs, has created a mobility aid that is similar to Segway technology. Like a Segway, this walking aid is able to maintain its balance and stand upright on its own with an extra set of wheels for additional security. Unlike traditional walkers, this electronic walking aid requires virtually no ef
Elegs
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a wearable, artificially intelligent device that provides power and assists individuals with paraplegia to stand and walk. The eLEGS is an exoskeletal orthosis for the legs that provides support for standing and and initiates leg movement. eLEGS has a unique knee flexion that provides a natural human gait that allows it to handle mixed terrains and reach speeds in excess of 2 miles per hour in certain conditions. It consists of two frame
Elevating Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a elevating wheelchair which allows individuals with mobility disabilities to access items out of vertical reach and/or to have visual access to items that could be seen by an individual standing. Two students focused on this problem for a final year project. Their answer is to lift the wheelchair and/or the occupant. The detailed answer is in a 130 page formal engineering report with 13 AutoCAD drawings to support the idea. The base was
Elevator Button
The Elevator Button is a custom adaptation to an elevator (without violating its warranty) designed for those individuals with muscular dystrophy to voice activate elevator buttons. This product was invented at a Tikkun Olam Makers makeathon in the District of Columbia. Makers designed shelves that can go up and down, and then slide out for John to reach his games or treats and also created a voice-activated system to activate the elevator without violating the elevator warranty.
Embrace Tactile Electric Shaver
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an electronic tactile shaver for individuals with low vision or are blind. The Embrace electric shaver utilizes an ergonomic design positioning the three shaving heads within the hands of the user in the form of a glove-like device allowing for tactile feedback and increased pressure sensitivity, reducing the negative impact of getting repeated shaving of the skin. An adjustable sensor also measures the smoothness of the area so the perf
Emotichair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype device that allows individuals with hearing impairments or deafness get an emotional sense of what is going on during a captioned movie or T.V. show where themed music and suspenseful noises are used to create “emotion”. The Emotichair is basically a camping chair fitted with speakers that play at different frequencies, vibrating a person's upper back with high pitches and the bottom of a person's thighs with lower ranges. This allows use
Enamor Food Preparation Aid
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of food preparation device for individuals with upper extremity disabilities or amputation or other conditions that limit them to use of only one arm or hand. The Enamor (an anagram of “one arm”) allows a person with use of only one arm the opportunity to expand his or her cooking skills by facilitating food preparation. Enamor is a simple and easily cleaned kit that consists of both vegetable and meat cutting units that attach tightly onto
Enlarged handle with hilt
The Enlarged handle with hilt is designed for use by individuals with weakened or painful grasps or use of only one hand. This enlarged handle for cutlery include, in one assistive device, grasping help, and hilt for people challenged by grasping. Equipped with a large but thin aperture, printed in flexible material, this enlarged handle with hilt accept all kind of cutlery.
Ergonomic Swivel Chair Lock
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype a swivel ergonomic chair with a controlled locking mechanism to control the swivel feature of the chair for an individual with musculoskeletal issues. A young man found that he would inadvertently swivel his chair seat relative to his torso and the twisted posture exacerbated his existing musculoskeletal problems. The man wanted the ability to lock out the swivel as well as have the option to swivel the seat when getting in and out of the c
eSight3
eSight3 is a prototype pair of glasses that help legally blind people to see. They work by using an HD camera to capture what's in front of the user. Algorithms enhance the video, which is projected on two OLED screens. The device tricks the user's brain into making it look like they're seeing in the distance even though the glasses are only a few centimeters from the user's eyes.
Evolution One Beautiful Wheel Chair
Evolution One Beautiful Wheel Chair is designed for individuals with limited lower extremity strength and coordination as a result of cerebral palsy or a spinal cord injury. These chairs are made by a Swiss design team, Emosign. This wheelchair is a stylish piece of furniture that combines a wheel with a chair. The user can customize their chair by picking from a range of wheels (18-to-19 inches), color and chrome rims.
Exo-Glove Poly
The Exo-Glove Poly is a waterproof glove designed for people with hand injuries to help them grip objects when necessary. The Exo-Glove Poly fits over the thumb and two fingers of a person's hand and can help them perform simple, but previously impossible, tasks such as filling up a water glass.
Exoskeleton Glove
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an exoskeletal glove for an individual with grasping difficulties. Charalampos Ioannou developed an exoskeletal glove after observing his grandmother having difficultly holding a remote control in her hand. This metallic orthotic glove that fits over the hand and supports the movements of the hand. The glove is controlled by the movement (kinetic stimulus) of the user's hand. It is intended for use by individuals with motor disabilities
Exoskeleton Glove
The Exoskeleton Glove is a hand support designed for Hoai and those individuals with upper extremity disabilities to allow them control and move their hands, each finger individually. Comes with metal fingers.
Expanding Wheelchair
This Expanding Wheelchair is a wheelchair designed for children still growing. It expands as the user grows.
Eye 21
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a visual assistance system similar to sonar technology that allows individuals who are blind or have low vision to be aware of their surroundings through the use of sound. Developed by the engineers from the Research Center for Graphic Technologies at Spain's Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), the EYE 21 consists of a pair of sunglasses with two built-in micro-video cameras, a computer, and a pair of headphones. The cameras analyze
Eye Conductor
Eye Conductor is computer software that helps people without the use of their hands play music with movements of their eyes and facial gestures. Eye Conductor translates eye gaze into musical notes or beats in a drum sequencer. If the user raises their eyebrows, that can be used to transpose all played notes up one full octave, while opening their mouth can add a delay, reverb, or filter effect to the instrument being played. Thresholds for facial gestures can be adjusted and saved to fit the un
Eye Play the Piano
Eye Play the Piano is a system designed for the physically challenged to experience music. It is a system that allows a the user to play the piano without the use of the hands or arms. An eye-tracking device mounts on the user's head and allows them to select keys to play using eyesight, blinking, and head movements.
Eye Stick
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of cane that only uses light and ultrasonic sensors to guide individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Eye Stick reinvents the traditional cane. It consists of just a handle that is comparable in size to a flashlight. The Eye Stick uses light rays and ultrasonic sensors to identify obstacles and determine distances to help individuals who are blind or have low vision to navigate their surroundings safely as they would with a cane. T
Eye Stick
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype enhancing the traditional red and white stick used by individuals with visual impairments. The Eye Stick is designed as a practical solution for commuters with visual impairments. Fitted with a sensor lens toward the bottom part of the stick, the Eye Stick picks up location bearings such as nearing a staircase or traffic lights. The Eye Stick then sends feedback to the user via vibrations, communicating a scenario of the environment so that
Eye-Controlled Laptop
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a eye-motion control human-machine interface laptop for individuals with disabilities. The Swedish firm Tobii, which specializes in eye control, teamed up with Lenovo to craft 20 prototype Windows 7 laptops with eye control sensors built-in which were presented at CeBIT 2011. One demo the company set up was an Expose-style layout of all open windows, and users were able to target the smallest (Calculator in this case) consistently. The
Eye-Tracking Electronic Tablet
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an affordable eye-tracking electronic tablet computer for individuals with disabilities. Eye-tracking technology and software packages can be prohibitively expensive. Engineering students at Brigham Young University in partnership with EyeTech Digital Systems developed a tablet computer that can be controlled with a person’s eye movements. The prototype is projected to cost under $1,500. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 7. DIMENSIONS (LxHxD
Eyeborg
Eyeborg is designed for use by individuals with achromatopsia. It allows the user to experience color through sound. It is positioned on the user’s head at all times. The device translates the wavelengths of different colors into audible tones, then sends them to the inner ears via bone conduction. The Eyeborg can detect 360 different hues.
Eyecan
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an eye-controlled mouse for individuals with upper extremity disabilities or who are upper extremity amputees. EyeCAN is a eye controlled input system mounted on a pair of glasses that is capable of tracking the user’s eye movement and translating those movements to a cursor on a computer display. AUTHOR: Edwin Kee. TITLE: Samsung eyeCAN mouse for disabled folk. WEBSITE: Ubergizmo. REF: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/02/samsung-eyecan-mou
EyeCYou
EyeCYou is an app developed for visually impaired persons to give them a better advantage during conversations with other people by allowing them to detect features someone with low vision may not otherwise pick up. This app will allow the user to see their subconscious like pick up someone's shirt color and skin color while the conversation flows. This information can better inform and engage the user by enhancing the conversation. Features like a persons' skin color or shirt color are not easy
Eyemusic
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a sensory substitution device that employs pleasant musical scales to convey visual information for individuals who are blind or have low vision. A team of researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have created EyeMusic, which allows users who are blind or have low vision to "see" by assigning sounds to images. EyeMusic consists of a pair of glasses with an attached video camera, which is wired to a pair of headphones. The headphon
Eyering
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype device to assist individuals who are blind or have low vision to identify objects and read text. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a camera-equipped ring, EyeRing, that can identify objects and read text, transmitting the information to the user audibly. The EyeRing is a finger-worn device that the user points at an object, takes a photo, and hear voice feedback describing the object that the ring is f
EyeSpeak
The EyeSpeak is a communication system through the eyes, especially designed for people with extreme mobility and communication limitations caused by different types of illness or injury. The EyeSpeak consists of a pair of glasses in which the lenses display a screen with a virtual keyboard. It features a micro camera that detects the position and the movement of the eyes and identifies the key the user is looking at. The EyeSpeak features a fast, accurate system, is easy to use, with very low l
Falls Recovery Lifting Device
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a device for an individual with mobility disabilities to provide a safe and reliable means to return to his wheelchair after a fall. The Falls Recovery Lifting Device consists of a hydraulic jack, an aluminum base, and stand with a 22 inch attached seat. The jack is a three-ton, long-ram bottle jack, normally used in cranes and engine hoists, which travels vertically by manually pumping a one-piece handle. When the chair is pumped to the desired height
Feel The Beat
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype a toy-like wearable elbow device to assist with physiotherapy for children with cerebral palsy. Physiotherapy can be challenging for adults but children present unique challenges requiring unique solutions. The “Feel the Beat” device adds a dash of freshness to the routine by using simple pneumatic air pump technology and music synchronization to become this interactive and toy-like wearable elbow device. With adjustable angles of use, this
Feel the Time Watch
The Feel the Time Watch is a watch designed specifically for blind and low vision individuals to allow them to tell time accurately and easily. Three-dimensional rings distinguish the discs from each other and a flexible membrane protects the face of the watch. A break at the 12 O'Clock position acts as the guide for feeling the time accurately. The time piece uses ball bearings rather than hands. One ball bearing on the time indicates minutes, and another on the side signifies hours. The ball b
Feel the View
Feel the View is a prototype of an automotive imaging system designed to provide passengers who are blind or visually impaired with a way to experience the passing landscape through touch and sound. This rectangular-shaped device has to be positioned along the top of one of the car’s backseat windows. When the passenger presses the textured button located on the device’s center, the unit’s built-in camera snaps a picture of the outside scenery. The prototype then converts the captured frame into
Feelor Touch The Color
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a color pencil set with specialized character-forms on the head as a teaching aid for young children with low-vision and/or blindness. Because young children are able to grasp concepts of shapes better than mere words or Braille, creating a pencil for the color red that has an apple shape on the head allows the child to color by association to real-life objects. Each color in the set has a retractable led pencil with a button on its side
Fiberglass Splints and Electric Joints
The Fiberglass Splints and Electric Joints are designed for those individuals to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to help them walk. They were developed for seventeen-year-old An.
Fine Motor Aid
The Fine Motor Aid is a limb difference aid designed to allow users with fingers or parts of hands missing to grip bar like objects, and allow users with minimal hand function grip small items. This product is a prototype to give people with limb differences and hand function weakness the ability to lead more active and independent lives.
Finger Reader
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a combination finger reader with a wireless speaker using Bluetooth technology for individuals who are blind or have low vision for shopping at grocery stores and other retail establishments. The Finger Reader has two components, a finger-worn device and Bluetooth headset. The reader scans a product bar code and/or Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and then communicates information about the product audibly through the Bluetooth
Finger Reader
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a wearable device that assists in reading printed text designed for visually impaired users that require help with accessing printed text. Users scan a text line with a finger and receive an audio feedback of the words and a haptic feedback of the layout: start and end of line, new line, and other cues. The FingerReader algorithm knows to detect and give feedback when the user veers away from the baseline of the text, and helps maintain
Finger-mounted reading device
The Finger-mounted reading device is a prototype with a built-in camera that converts written text into audio for visually impaired users. The device provides feedback — either tactile or audible — that guides the user’s finger along a line of text, and the system generates the corresponding audio in real time.
Finger-mounted reading device for the blind
Finger-mounted reading device for the blind is designed for use by individuals who have low vision or are blind. Researchers at the MIT Media Laboratory have built a prototype of a finger-mounted device with a built-in camera that converts written text into audio for visually impaired users. The device provides feedback — either tactile or audible — that guides the user’s finger along a line of text, and the system generates the corresponding audio in real time.
Flex Array
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a proportional drive head array for individuals with tetraplegia. The Flex Array is a powered wheelchair controller that is located in a headrest and activated by the movement of the user's head. It is designed to provide an easy user interface and reduce user fatigue, while its universal DB9 connector and low profile design give the user a better mobility experience. The Flex Array consists of a standard industry community board, embed
Flexible Universal Mobile Mount (Fumm)
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a universal smartphone mount for use by people with and without disabilities. The Flexible Universal Mobile Mount (FUMM) is an adaptation on the basic function of propping a smartphone in a useful position. Instead of being restricted to only certain devices or angles, the device's flexible arms and nano suction pads make it possible for the FUMM to be used with almost any phone, removing the need to buy a new stand when changing or upgrad
Flume Bathtub
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a accessible tub that can pivot to facilitate tranfers in and out by individuals with lower extremity, balance or mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury. The Flume (seesaw) bathtub has a unique design based on principle of playground seesaws and slides while keeping the safety of individuals with mobility disabilities in mind. The Flume’s point of entry can be tilted downward so that it is easy for an individual to move his or her b
Folding Wheel For Wheelchair
PROTOTYPE --- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of the Crossbreed folding wheel for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility disabilities. The Crossbreed designer, Duncan Fitzsimons is developing a wheelchair-specific version of the Crossbreed with an integrated push rim and easy-to-use locking lever. The first models of this wheel are made from a carbon-fiber composite to meet the weight and stiffness requirements of the most demanding wheelchair users. This prototype is expected to be avail
Foot And Hand Cycle
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an exercise vehicle for persons with varying physical disabilities that prevents beneficial physical exercise through traditional cycling. The Foot and Hand Cycle, First Iteration (FAHC1) allows the rider to use both the hands and feet to power a tricycle intended for street use. The FAHC1 combines the ergonomics of an elliptical aerobics machine with the traditional pedal and gear system of a recumbent bicycle for its power train. The
Foot Pedals for Hands Free DSLR Photography
Foot Pedals for Hands Free DSLR Photography is designed for use by individuals with upper extremity amputations and grasping disabilities associated with stroke, spinal cord injuries and upper motor neuron disorders.
Footbraille
Footbraille is a touch-table designed to help individuals who are blind or have low vision follow a recorded soccer game through the sense of touch. The movement of the soccer ball is pre-tracked and fed to a tablet that has a custom software installed. the tablet relays this information to the touch-table in real-time, which is wirelessly connected to the tablet. Then, when the user places his or her hands on the touch-table, he can feel the soccer ball and follow its trajectory across the “fie
Frankenkindle
---- CUSTOMIZED ADAPTATION --------- PURPOSE: To create a custom adapted electronic book reader for an individual with cerebral palsy. Glenn, an electrical engineer created the "Frankenkindle" for his sister using an Amazon Kindle and a keypad from a children's reader. This e-reader adaptation features controls that are easier for and individuals with cerebral palsy or other types of fine motor and neurological disabilities to use compared to the standard buttons on the Kindle. The device is mou
Freedom
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a collapsible lightweight shower/commode wheelchair-like device for individuals with disabilities. The Freedom is designed for individuals with mobility or lower extremity disabilities or spinal cord injury who travel and require a lighter, more compact alternative to currently available shower commode wheelchairs. The chair is designed to assist individuals with disabilities to gain more freedom and personal space when showering and toi
Fujitsu New Generation Cane
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype walking cane that integrates current “smart” technologies such as GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth to allow a person with walking or mobility disabilities to navigate his or her environment without having to hold an additional device. Fujitsu engineers integrated a variety of technology into a cane, including 3G, GPS, WiFi Bluetooth and an LED display in the handle. This cane uses GPS to guide the user without the use of an additional smartphone in
Fulcrum Crutch
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a forearm crutch featuring enhanced ergonomics and functionality for individuals with mobility disabilities and or are recovering from an injury. The Fulcrum advanced crutch features tactile, silicone grips and an adjustable arm support that provide relief to tired hands and arms. It also has a wide, rubber bottom tip that increases traction and decreases injuries related to slipping. The multifunctional design’s arm support can also be
Full-Page Braille Display
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To develop a full-page, refreshable Braille display for individuals with low-vision or who are blind. Currently, Braille displays typically show only one line of text at time. The researchers at North Carolina State University are working on an electroactive polymer-based Braille display that would enable full-page Braille displays. The researchers have developed a concept called a “hydraulic and latching mechanism,” which allows to raise dots to the correct hei
G-Navi
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a GPS navigation and hands-free voice control system to be used to steer a guide dog to a selected location by individuals who are blind or have low vision. The G-Navi combines GPS navigation system with a voice input control and a guide dog harness with vibrating-calibration technology to assist in steering a guide dog to any waypoint the user selects. The G-Navi includes a headset into which the user speaks the location to which he or
Gait Trainer For Children With Cerebral Palsy
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a gait trainer for children with cerebral palsy (CP). The gait trainer is designed to improve a child's gait and encourage normal gait motion. The prototype was tested with two children at the Nisonger Center in Columbus, Ohio. The main design requirement for the prototype gait trainer was to enable the user to stand with proper postural alignment and to encourage the child to support most of their own weight, leading to increased muscle
Galileo Stair Climbing Wheelchair
Galileo Stair Climbing Wheelchair is designed for use by individuals with limited lower extremity mobility associated with spinal cord injuries, stroke, traumatic brain injury or multiple sclerosis. Galileo Wheelchair allows the user to assume a variety of positions such as standing, reclining, being lowered to the ground as well as being elevated. It can also assist users with entry to vehicles without requiring additional vehicle modifications. In addition, it can be used for both indoor a
Gauntlet Glove Keyboard
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a keyboard alternative for individuals who have the use of only one hand or have fine motor disabilities in one hand. Gauntlet, or the Generally Accessible Universal Nomadic Tactile Low-power Electronic Typist, is a smart glove device that features built-in wireless keyboard functionality. This device looks like a black glove with letters placed in between joints of each finger. The user types by using the thumb to touch the desired let
Gesture-To-Voice Synthesizer
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a gesture-to-voice synthesizer for individuals with speech or communication disabilities. The gesture-to-voice synthesizer was created at the University of British Columbia by a team led by professor of electrical and computer engineering Sidney Fels. It allows users to put on a pair of sensor-equipped gloves, then move their hands in the air. Based on those hand movements, the synthesizer is able to create audible speech. The gloves conta
Glove Tricorder
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype using non-invasive, glove-based technology to create a telemedicine device for individuals with disabilities. Developed by Augmented Medical Intelligence Labs (AugMI Labs), the Glove Tricorder uses advanced tactile technology and data analytics to quantify, digitize, and analyze important physical functional parameters in a telemedicine setting. Since its original development, the glove has undergone several revisions resulting in its new p
GlovePi
The GlovePi was designed as a wearable device to support deaf-blind people in communication using the Malossi alphabet. The GlovePi is designed to lessen the need for an interpreter at all times. This prototype is being developed by Università di Bologna in Italy.
GoCC4ALL (Prototype)
The GoCC4ALL prototype is a funded by a three year grant from Dicapta Foundation. The funding will provide and enhance community living and participation for individuals who are deaf-blind by bringing them access to TV information that is widely available to any other citizen. GoCC4All’s main objectives are: 1) to develop a functional product, 2) to proof adoption of the technology among the deaf-blind community, and 3) to add to knowledge about technologies that serve the deaf-blind community.
Google Self-Driving Car
The Google Self-Driving Car is a prototype vehicle designed to take a person who cannot drive where they want to go, with no driving required, at the push of a button. This is designed to be used by the aging or visually impaired persons who would otherwise not be able to drive, for independent, safe transportation.
Grabber
Grabber was designed to be used by people who use their mouth to pick up items — its goal, simply, is to grab stuff and move it around the house. It combines 3D printed parts based on a pincer and a mouth guard, with a spring mechanism to clench items, but between prototypes the team realized they had a problem. They had designed it so that when the user bites down, it opens the grabber, thinking this way it would mean less jaw work. But in testing, they realized, if you release your jaw to grab
Grabber
The Grabber is a custom prototype grabber designed for those individuals with spinal cord injuries to pick items up that they dropped, such as a phone or television remote control. It could take Chris up to 20 minutes with a DIY hanger hook. With this prototype, it is initiated by wrist extension (flicking the wrist). In addition to grabbing, the grabber is outfitted with magnets and a hook for added functionality and to grab other items that fall. It was invented at a Tikkun Olam Makers make-a-
Grippity
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a transparent display tablet with rear keyboard designed for individuals with grasping difficulties. Grippity tablet is ergonomically designed with 10-finger typing in mind, hinging on the ability to touch the front and rear of the screen simultaneously. The transparent display allows users to view both their fingers tapping from the reverse side and the complete screen from the front. So it can come in handy for activities like pinch-to
Grocery Helper
Grocery Helper is a small, unobtrusive metal plate mounted to the back of a wheelchair. A swinging basket can be added and removed from the plate, providing the user with a place to put their groceries that can easily be swung to the back of their chair leaving them free to carry their children in their lap.?
Gyroset
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype a wireless headset wheelchair control system for individuals with severe disabilities and/or quadriplegia. Individuals who are paralyzed from the neck down have a limited number of options to control their wheelchairs (i.e., joysticks, sip and puff tubes). Márton Juhász and Now Technologies, a Hungarian firm, have developed the GyroSet, an Android tablet-powered system that allows a person to use head movements to guide a powered wheelchair
Haifa 3D
Haifa 3D are 3D printed prosthetic arms designed for people with upper extremity amputation to wear.
Hand Assist Cup Holder
The Hand Assist Cup Holder is a 3D printed cup holder designed for users with weak hand grip, ?hand contracture, or osteomyelitis. The hand assist cup holder has two large handles enabling ease of pick up and much greater control when drinking. It is designed to hold all sized coffee cups.
Hand Controls For Pilots
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To provide a hand control system that allows individuals with lower extremity and mobility disabilities to pilot an airplane. A conventional control stick was modified by giving it two handles. The right handle is fixed and moves the entire stick to control pitch and bank as it would in a typical airplane. The left handle can be pushed forward and back to control the rudder. Additionally, there is a button to control the throttle since using the modified control
Hand Sanitizer Compliance Device
Hand Sanitizer Compliance Device is designed to improve and monitor hand sanitizer compliance among providers with an audio recording reminder and compliance tracking feature. It is a low cost and customizable solution to this problem, and has the potential to reduce the costs associated with both treating hospital acquired infections (HAIs) and compliance monitoring that is required for accreditation bodies.
Handshake
PROTOTYPE------Handshake is an android app that helps bicyclists with cognitive and learning disabilities navigate without having to look at their phones. It does so by providing haptic feedback for turn-by-turn navigation. The user enters the start and destination address in the app. The app then gets data from Google navigation APIs and parses out the geo-coordinates for each turn. The phones GPS is also being sampled with every location update. If the phone GPS is less than 5 meters of a turn
Handy Eye Chart
The Handy Eye Chart™ uses optotypes consisting of hand gesture symbols instead of letters, and children can use their own hands to replicate the gesture to indicate recognition of the optotypes. Previous research has shown that the chart is a valid test of visual acuity in children ages 6 to 18. Now, researchers are embarking on a research strategy to modify the chart for use in young children ages 2 to 5. The isolated optotypes will be presented using an ipad application, that will simultaneous
Haptic Braille
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a haptic Braille device that translates ordinary text into Braille for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Haptic Braille is a device similar to a computer mouse that translates ordinary text into Braille. It has a small digital camera on the bottom. The user skims the Haptic Braille over text, and the device uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology to convert the image of the text from the camera into text tha
Haptic Reader
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a haptic reader which can convert paper books into Braille or speech for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Haptic Reader allows individuals with visual impairment to read regular paper books. The device is placed directly on the page of a book, and it scans the text on the page. Using optical character recognition (OCR) software, the Haptic Reader converts the text into braille, which is displayed on the devices refresha
Haptica
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a haptic Braille watch for individuals who are blind or low vision. Created by David Chavez, Haptica is an award-winning Braille watch concept that allows blind people to check the time quickly and accurately without an audible disruption. the Haptica watch is read by sliding a finger through a slot on the watch's face at the base where Braille dots represent the time. While Braille watches already exist, the Haptica watch is unique in t
Hat Sensors
The Hat Sensors are sensors designed for seventeen-year-old Nhi and those individuals who are visually impaired to sense objects above their waist. Can be attached to a hat or to clothes.
Head Up Headphones
The Head Up Headphones are a set of headphones designed to help people with cerebral palsy and those with weak necks to build their neck muscles. While wearing, if the user does not keep their head up, the music won't play.
HealFast Bandage
The HealFast Bandage is a prototype bandage that provides electrically-accelerated wound healing, particularly suited to help diabetic patients speed up the closure of their chronically unhealing sores. HealFast features single-handed usage for people with less dexterous or arthritic fingers. An electrical field, when applied radially to a wound, starts and accelerates healing.
HEARD
A team of Purdue’s engineering students has created a device that helps children with autism develop language skills, a prototype device called HEARD, with the mission to help children with autism improve their independence and change the future for kids with autism. This handheld educational device helps children and other individuals with autism develop communication skills. With this device, children can communicate with others through pictures, using radio frequency identification cards or R
Hello Haptic Flashcards
Hello Haptic Flashcards are tactile flashcards designed for the blind that have Braille text on one side and tactile elements from environments they may not have access to on the other side.
HERO Zupan
Hero Series is a line of sport wheelchair designed so that people with mobility restrictions can play sports on sandy soils, especially on the beach. Encourages the practice of an innovative sport: rugby on the beach. The challenge is to develop a project of universal design and sustainable, ie, adaptable (for different communities, cultures and biotypes), eco-efficient, economically feasible, socially equitable (serving people with special needs) and culturally acceptable (in terms of geography
HEROes Daredevil
HEROes Daredevil is a wheelchair prototype designed to traverse over land and sand with ease. It can be used for the beach and parks. It is built for hard sports like beach rugby.
HEROes Xavier Wheelchair
HEROes Series of Sport Wheelchairs is designed to withstand and navigate on different terrain such as sand. This wheelchair is made so that users can participate in beach volleyball or rugby. HERO Xavier was inspired by fictional superhero and leader of the X-Men Charles Francis Xavier aka Professor X.
HEROes Zupan
HEROes Zupan is a wheelchair prototype designed for those individuals with lower extremity disabilities to use. The wheelchair includes a portable computer case under the seat, a joystick (to move the wheelchair), a trackball, a monitor, a keyboard, speakers, a wireless headset, a webcam, a drink holder, a stereo sound gadget(behind the seat), a power source on the back and a remote control.
Hill Assist Wheelchair With Enhanced Safety
This wheelchair is designed with multiple subsystems specifically developed for a user who lives in a hilly or mountainous area. The design allows the user to be able to exert the same amount of energy when moving on either flat or inclined planes. To ensure safety, an anti-rollback system, an anti-tip mechanism and a braking system are incorporated. A modified driving mechanism has been implemented to allow for increased the speed.
Hitch Lift
The Hitch Lift which enables individuals to independently load a manual wheelchair, lightweight scooter or other mobility aid into a vehicle with very little physical effort. The assistive device mounts to a hitch receiver on the back of a car, making it universal compared to other solutions that require modifications to a vehicle.
Home Bone Therapy
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: The Bone Repair Therapy prototype device allows patients to self-administer electrotherapy and ultrasound treatment to fresh fractures and non-union fractures after a cast has been set. When a cast has been set for a broken limb, it will incorporate a docking plate, where the Bone Repair Therapy device will later be placed. The patient is given the device and instructions. At home, the patient removes the device from the induction charging station and places i
Homemade Leg Prosthesis
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a custom prototype of homemade leg prosthesis for an Afghan boy who lost both legs due to an improvised explosive device (IED). A team of U.S. Army soldiers developed a custom prototype for an eight-year-old boy who lost both legs, with the idea that locals should be able to make their own prostheses so that people injured by mines and bombs can get on their feet quickly, without having to wait for a distant charity to help. The prototype consisted of
Honda Walking Assist Device Prototype
The Honda Walking Assist Device Prototype is a walking device designed to help individuals with balance and lower extremity disabilities learn how to walk properly. Natural walking is achieved by changing the amount of assisting force applied to the right and left legs through the control of two motors, based on the information obtained through sensors embedded in the shoes of the device. Based on the know-how acquired through its study of human walking represented by its advanced humanoid robot
Horus
The Horus is a wearable device developed to assist blind and visually impaired individuals during their entire day.The device observes, understands, and describes the environment to the user, providing useful information in a discreet way and with the right timing. Horus can help the user by reading texts, recognizing objects, faces and also pedestrian crossings and obstacles. Using bone conduction, the hearing of the user is in no way affected (as opposed to using earphones) and it will be poss
HouseAUTO
Huarong For The Blind
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an ancient Chinese game which includes tactile feedback for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Huarong is an ancient Chinese puzzle game that tests a person's judgment of textures and sense of shapes. There are 10 pieces with different sizes and shapes that fit into a large rectangle. These pieces include a large square, five rectangles and four small squares. In the adapted version of this game, each piece is covered with a
Hubless Wheelchair
Hubless Wheelchair is designed for individuals with limited mobility in their lower extremities as a result of a spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Inspired by the hubless motorcycles and bicycles, designer Jonathan O’Conner has designed a ‘hubless wheelchair’ that will make commuting effortless. Intended for young and active disabled individuals, the hubless wheelchair comes with a supportive mesh fabric seat suspended on a lightweight carbon fiber frame. The pushrim, extends
Human Grasp Assist
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a robotic glove that can be used by people with grasping disabilities and others at risk for repetitive stress injury. The Human Grasp Assist, also known as the K-Glove or the Robo-Glove, uses sensors built into the fingertips of the gloves that automatically tighten the actuators in the fingers to provide the wearer with a better grip of the object being held. The Human Grasp Assist helps reduce the amount of force required to grip an o
Human Support Robot
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Designed to help persons with physical disabilities live more independently. Called the Human Support Robot (HSR), it represents the latest initiative in Toyota's Partner Robot program and is intended to help out around the home by retrieving items, opening curtains, and picking up objects that have fallen to the floor. The HSR can be controlled using a simple graphical user interface via tablet PC. It can also wear a tablet atop its head, which would allow care
Hybrid Assistive Limb (Hal)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of robotic legs to assist individuals with mobility disabilities and/or paralysis to walk. Professor Yoshiyuki Sankai of CYBERDYNE Inc. has developed the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL), an exo-skeletal orthosis for both arms and legs that provides support and initiates limb movement. Professor Sankai was inspired by Noboru Matsumoto suffered severe brain injuries that caused speech and walking disabilities although he retained some movement in
Hydrogel Device for Controlling Cranial Suture Closure
The hydrogel device is designed to delay regrowth of bone in the suture following surgical intervention for craniosynostosis, and provides the ability to create a functioning suture much like the natural and normal state of calvarial sutures at the age of an infant. The device is an injectable hydrogel that spontaneously polymerizes in situ and can be used at the time of the original surgery or delivered percutaneously after surgery. The hydrogel will provide a dramatic reduction in the invasive
I-Mos
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype augmentative and alternative communicate device that is worn like a pair of glasses for individuals with communication and speech disabilities. The i-Mos looks like a pair of glasses. It tracks the users eye movements and translates them into Morse code inputs. The Morse code is then translated into speech. Looking to the left indicates a “dot” and looking to the right, a “dash.” The device includes aids for sentence completion and a built
I-Transport
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a powered wheelchair that allows individuals with mobility disabilities to transition from a sitting to a standing position. Researchers at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan have developed a battery-powered, joystick-controlled wheelchair that transitions from a sitting to a standing position with a push of a button. Additionally, the device has sensors built in that monitor blood pressure and respiration of the user. The i-Transp
ichó
ichó aids people in terms of an individual assistance to allow communication in a different way. Ichó is a sphere, offering music, shiny bright colors and vibrations. Users can throw, catch, pet, press and roll it. It is able to note those motions and react on it, as applicable. Ichó places emphasis on visual, haptic, and acoustic stimulation by using lights, vibrations and haptic stimuli. By customizing ichó, senses can be far better improved for each individual user. Out-of-the-box-applicatio
Icraft
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an eye-controlled robotic arm feeding system for individuals with mobility disabilities and/or paralysis. iCRAFT (eye Controlled Robotic Arm Feeding Technology) was developed by students at Northeastern University. iCRAFT allows the user to move its robotic arm by moving his or her eyes. With the iCRAFT system, there is absolutely no physical connection between the device and the user. All the user needs to do is look at one of four larg
iEat: Independent Feeder
The iEat Independent Feeder prototype is intended for people with limited hand control, using a spoon, fork, or knife is a significant challenge. The device was manufactured out of just a few simple 3D printed parts, and is aiming to offer the disabled community a low-cost device to help aid the struggle that people with limited function within their hands often experience while eating with this simple, yet efficiently designed solution.
Imini In-Ear Hearing Instrument
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a miniature auditory canal hearing device for individuals with hearing disabilities. Siemens has launched a new miniature auditory cancel hearing device (iMini) which is custom-made for each individual customer to fit perfectly within the cancel and is practically invisible from the outside. The custom fabrication process utilizes computer-assisted technology to determine how the individual components can be optimally arranged in the ind
iMIRACLE
iMIRACLE is a prototype iPad application designed for deaf and hearing impaired people that allows the user search for video content by station, genre, title, or content keywords. People can browse retrieved content, and can watch it on the iPad or on connected televisions. iMIRACLE also may work for people with physical dexterity disabilities, who cannot "fast forward" through a TV show to the segment they want to watch.
Implant for Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip
PROTOTYPE-----Implant for Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip is a surgically placed cleft implant designed to act as a pressure flap to allow for the negative pressures required for sucking as well as the positive pressures required for speech consonants. The implant overcomes the problems with existing implants by creating sufficient pressure sealing, fixation to the bony palate, and a loosely connected “free” edge to allow for growth. The implant is made from Salubria, a strong hydrogel patented by GT
Inclusive Pill Container
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype prescription-medicine pill bottle for individual who are blind or have low vision. Two University of Cincinnati design students, Alex Broerman and Ashley Ma, have designed their “Inclusive Bottles for the Blind” in order to make identification and use of pill bottles more straightforward and affordable than existing high-tech solutions. The bottles were designed after carrying out a survey of existing products and end-users identified a nu
Indego
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a powered exoskeleton orthosis that allows users with spinal cord injury, recovering from stroke, or with other mobility disabilities to walk independently. The Indego is a powered exoskeletal orthosis designed for use by people with lower extremity or mobility disabilities, spinal cord injury, stroke or brain injury, and other conditions that impair a persons ability to walk or stand independently. It fastens around the user's waist and
Independent Wheelchair Assistant (IWA)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an electric power assist unit for a manual wheelchair for individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury so they can independently access their local communities safely and easily. The Independent Wheelchair Assistant (IWA) design utilizes the user’s own wheelchair, acting as a true assistant and eliminating the need to constantly transfer between other devices like scooters or power chairs. The user atta
Intel Mind-Reading Software
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create prototype software that can read the minds of individuals with disabilities and be used as an alternative form of augmentative and alternative communication. Intel’s mind-reading software uses MRI scans to determine what items people are thinking about and what parts of the people’s brain is being activated as he or she thinks. According to Intel Labs researcher Dean Pomerleau, in the tests the software guess with 90 percent accuracy which of two words
Intelligent Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: A prototype based on Toyota’s advance collision detection technology for cars has been developed by researchers at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology for wheelchair users. The “Intelligent Wheelchair” has a set of cameras pointed in all directions mounted above the head of the rider to provide a complete 360-degree field of view. If the cameras detect potential hazards nearby, the wheelchair will slow down or come to a compl
Interactive Delivery Cart
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a delivery cart that serves as both a learning and therapeutic tool, providing a safe, customizable, and fun device from which elementary school students with disabilities can learn to assume responsibility and practice essential skills. The delivery cart is a unique therapeutic device for elementary school students with disabilities, helping to promote motor skills as well as work ethic and responsibility. It is accessible to students w
Ipad Dexterity Enhancement Apparatus (Idea)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a dexterity enhancement apparatus for an iPad tablet computer to be used by a child with cerebral palsy (CP). A 5-year-old kindergarten student with CP struggled with the fine motor movement required to use her iPad for communication. The iPad Dexterity Enhancement Apparatus, iDEA, is a supportive, spring loaded tracking system that keeps a user's hand in the optimal operating position while supporting the wrist to prevent hand dragging.
iRemote
The iRemote is an electronic program guide designed to help individuals with visual impairments or fine motor disabilities search through the television guide more independently. It allows users to search for TV and movie listings by title, actor, genre, or keyword. With the iRemote, a user with limited physical dexterity can do searches, browse search results, play a show or save to DVR using speech commands. And a user with visual disabilities can turn on speech output with a single voice comm
Itrem
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an iPhone application that allows individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disabilities to monitor their conditions and share this information with their treatment teams without paying for costly visits to medical facilities. Researchers at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed a an iPhone application, iTrem, allowing users to monitor Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions by collecting d
Iworm
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a wearable stand for a tablet computer that leaves the user's hands free. The iWorm is a stand for a tablet for a tablet computer that is designed for people with grasping, neurological or upper extremity disabilities and for people who have use of only one hand. It is worn around the user's shoulders and behind the neck and has foam pads on the chest and a brace extending onto the upper back with memory foam to bear the weight of the stan
Ix Transfer System
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a short distance transfer system for use by individuals with lower extremity and mobility disabilities, people with spinal cord injury and others who use wheelchairs, aided by a caregiver. The IX Transfer System is a transfer aid and transport wheelchair intended for short distance transfers that can be physically demanding on caregivers. It is designed to be used in communal spaces such as a hospital, skilled nursing centers or similar
JACO Robotic Arm
The JACO Robotic Arm gives independence to people with advanced muscular or severe upper extremity disabilities. It attaches to a power wheelchair (or countertop, or bedside table) and can grasp objects to complete tasks as complex as putting a ring on someone's finger. Using the wheelchair controller, the JACO robotic arm can help its user take a drink, retrieve something the user dropped, open the fridge to grab a snack, etc. It interfaces with most controllers—including sip-n-puffs, headrest
Kakum
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an ergonomic wrist support ro a mouse or keyboard designed for users with with carpal tunnel syndrome or upper extremity disabilities, including tendinitis and arthritis. Kakum is a minimal, ergonomic wrist support that eliminates the need for wrist-supporting mouse pads. Unlike most stationary wrist supports, the lightweight design of the Kakum easily slides with the arm as it moves across the desk. It is intended to be adapted for the
Kaspar Humanoid Robot
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: KASPAR is a prototype child-size humanoid robot designed by the Adaptive Systems Research Group at the University of Herforshire. KASPAR allows children with intellectual and emotional disabilities to develop social skills for solitary and cooperative play, especially in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Currently KASPAR has 8 degrees of freedom in the head and neck and 6 in the arms and hands. The face is a silicon-rubber mask which is supported on an a
Kinect Email Interface
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype email interface based on the Kinect system technology for individuals with aphasia or other communication disorders. For many sufferers of aphasia, a disorder caused by stroke that impairs the language centers of the brain, writing or typing emails may become difficult. When Chad Rubles's mother had a stroke that resulted in aphasia, he developed an email interface system based on the Microsoft Kinect's approach, using simple hand gestures to
Kinect Haptic Belt
The Kinect Haptic Belt is a Microsoft Kinect (a device designed for the Xbox 360 in 2007) attached to a belt with three different vibrating sections designed to help individuals who are blind or have low vision navigate through crowded areas using its depth-sensing camera. As the wearer approaches obstacles, the Kinect will sense them and send vibrations through the relevant portion of the belt, letting the user know which the approximate location of whatever it is that's in their path.
Knead Helper
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a bowl that transforms to assist individuals with hand ailments and arthritis to knead dough without a bulky electric mixer. The bowl is two pieces: a silicone insert and the break-away base that unfolds. After mixing all the dough ingredients, tip the dough out of the silicone insert and place on the base of the unfolded bowl. Next, use the sides of the bowl to knead the dough, preventing finger and wrist pain. TITLE: Knead Helper – Hel
Kompaï
Kompaï is a robot designed to assist the elderly, people with disabilities, and others who need special care. The mobile robot talks, understands speech, and can navigate autonomously. It reminds people of meetings, keeps track of shopping lists, plays music, and works as a video conference system for users to talk with their doctors, for example.
Lady Shifting
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a transfer device to be used by caregivers in transferring a person from a wheelchair to a bed. The Lady Shifting is a transfer aid that allows caregivers to transfer the person for their chair to the bed and vice versa. TITLE: The Assisted Move. WEBSITE: Yanko Design. REF: http://www.yankodesign.com/2013/05/15/the-assisted-move.
Lazy Teapot
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a porcelain teapot and a holding device that allows individuals with grasping disabilities to easily pour a cup of tea without having to lift the teapot. When the teapot is placed into the holding device, it can then be swayed forward, well-directed without having to lift the teapot itself. Additionally, the holding device services as a heating device that can boil the liquid in the teapot and keep it warm precisely on different temperat
Le Chal System
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a navigational device similar to a white cane in the form of footwear (i.e. shoes) to assist individuals who are blind or have low vision in navigating to a specific geographic location. Anirudh Sharma, a young researcher at Hewlett-Packard Labs in Bangalore, India designed this prototype system entitled "Le Chal," which is Hindi for "Take Me There." The Le Chal system is designed to assist users in navigating when walking to specific geo
Leapfrog Assistive Walker
Leapfrog Assistive Walker is a prototype designed for children ages 1.5 to 5 years of age with cerebral palsy. The Leapfrog Assistive Walker was created by the industrial designer Donn Koh. An automatic and intuitive gas spring transformation system has been fitted into this machine. When the child tries to sit down, weight is exerted turning the seat into the chair mode. When they stand up, the weight is lifted off the gas spring and the device goes into the walker mode. Using the automatic lif
Lechal Shoe Insoles
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a shoe insole that vibrates to be used by individuals who are blind or have low vision. The insole vibrates to alert users when they’re supposed to make a turn, acting like a real-time GPS device for their feet. The insole will provide subtle feedback about where a user is going and in what direction. Can be used in conjunction with eye free interface application to further aid in directions.
Leeding E.D.G.E. Wheelchair
The Leeding E.D.G.E. Wheelchair is a stand up wheelchair designed for paraplegics. It is a manual standing wheelchair that features easy drive handles with different gearing options to promote accessibility while also combating shoulder injury that can be caused by traditional wheeling techniques. The wheelchair handles can also be used to elevate the user in seconds, alleviating pressure sores, increasing reach capabilities and “closing social boundaries which inhibit the lives of the disabled
Leg Bag Emptier
Leka
Leka is an interactive and multi-sensory smart toy, offering children with special needs the ability to play fun and educational games that motivates social interactions, that increase motor, cognitive, and emotional skills, as well as stimulates autonomy. Leka is a tool for parents and therapists to support education in an easy, efficient, and constant way. This robot helps children with autism learn how to interact and communicate with family and friends. Leka can be customized for individuals
Leveraged Freedom Chair (Lfc)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a wheelchair prototype to allow individuals with mobility in third-world countries greater mobility in and outdoors providing personal freedom. Amos Winter, a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering, along with a team of undergraduates at MIT and international design collaborators designed the Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC). The LFC performs like a combination of a desk chair and a mountain bike "something you can comfortably sit in all day and maneuve
Levered-Power Wheelchair
The Levered-Power Wheelchair is a prototype designed for individuals with mobility disabilities. This device includes a hand lever that activates secure hitching to the frame of the wheelchair. It allows any wheelchair to be powered in a rowing motion.
Light Stick
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a modified white cane for users who are blind or have low vision. The Light Stick is a white cane and voice output reading machine and money identifier for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Light Stick has an obstacle sensor at the end of the cane section to alert the user of obstacles ahead. The modular handgrip detaches from the cane, and it can serve as a voice output scanner that can read written text aloud to the use
Lime Cycle
The Lime Cycle is a prototype meant for commuters with walking disabilities or amputee. The concept is to have a basic wheelchair used for indoor or short distance movement and with the help of a front attachment, be able to travel as a handcycle to medium distances. The Lime Cycle experiments with how a wheelchair can be made modular so that by adding an extension, it can be converted into a hand cycle for further travel.
Little Mermaid
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a swimming pool floating aid for children with mobility disabilities and children who use wheelchairs. The Little Mermaid is a personal floatation device that allows children to move around in the pool independently by rotating a hand cycle. A rotary pump inside the handle pumps water up through the hole of the floor of the hose inside the tube body by using the water pressure. The water comes through the hose inside the tube body and is
Lopes
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a lower-extremity powered exoskeleton to access motor skills and assist in teaching individuals with stroke how to walk again. Researchers at the Netherlands’ University of Twente have developed the LOwer-extremity Powered ExoSkeleton (LOPES), a robotic device to assess motor skills and assist in teaching individuals with stroke how to walk again. The newest version of LOPES allows for eight degrees of freedoms, which provides the legs b
Low-Cost Portable Braille Writer
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an inexpensive, portable Braille writing device with no electronic components for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Four mechanical engineering students at Johns Hopkins designed a portable low-cost Braille writing device that has no electronic components. To keep assembly and maintenance costs low, this hand-held writer operates in a purely mechanical fashion. It features six buttons that can be depressed to produce any of t
Magic Carpet
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a moving platform for pre-school aged children with mobility disabilities and/or lower limb disabilities to move around and navigate their environment. Created by designers at the Polytechnic University, Magic Carpet allows young children with mobility or lower limb disabilities to experience moving independently while learning and practicing the skills necessary for to maneuver a power wheelchair. The Magic Carpet consists of a carpeted
Makeup Applicator
The Makeup Applicator is a designed for people with ataxia and other upper extremity disabilities to hold their makeup brushes still while they apply makeup independently.
Match Cooking Prep System
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a matching cook preparation system for adults with autism. The Match Cooking Prep System is designed to provide practical tools that assist someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to learn how to cook. The Match Cooking Prep System is based on Syracuse University graduate Amanda Savitzky's personal experience as a sibling of an individual with ASD. The system consists of measuring cups, prep bowls, and an iPad app. The project focuses
Mauricio Maeda's wheelchair concept
This prototype was designed to improve people’s lives and serve a purpose as well. It's a wheelchair with some additional features: a portable computer case under the seat, a joystick (to move the wheelchair), a trackball, a monitor, a keyboard, speakers, a wireless headset, a webcam, a drink holder, a stereo sound gadget (behind the seat), a power source on the back and a remote control.
Memo Portable Pill Box
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an LED alert portable pill box for individuals with memory disabilities and other conditions that affect memory such as Alzheimer’s disease. Memo is a portable pill box system designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's disease to remind them when and how many pills to take using colored boxes and an LED indicator. The Memo system uses a two-step process: (1) the prescribing physician enters the quantities, time, and other details
Metro Dot
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of navigation bracelet for individuals who are blind or have low vision to navigate through a train and/or subway system. The Metro Dot is a bracelet that can be a remote fare card for a public transportation system and an navigation aid that provides information in Braille and through vibration for individuals with visual disabilities. To use the Metro Dot, the user speaks their destination into the bracelet, and then holds the bracelet ad
Micro Buggy
PROTOTYPE--- The Micro Buggy is an off-road wheelchair designed for use by individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities. This gas powered wheelchair can be used for recreation or for tasks such as walking the dog. FRAME: Adjustable suspension; automatic transmission; 3 forward gears and 1 reverse gear; 1.5 inch receiver hitch in front and rear; 8 inch suspension travel; expandable storage system that slip links storage baskets. CONTROLS: The unit is all hand controlled, with a thumb
Midiwing
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype instrument interface that allows individuals with disabilities to learn and play music through any device they want to use as an input for a variety of digitized musical instruments. Dan Daily partnered with Kent Pfeifer to create the MidiWing that uses just about any USB controller as input and connects to any MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) device like a computer or digital instrument for output. Pfeifer assisted Daily in bui
Mind Speller
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a communication tool that can be used by individuals with motoric disabilities (i.e. brain paralysis or speech or language disorders) to communicate. Developed by Belgian researchers from the European nanoelectronics and nano-technology research center, Imec, Holst Center, and Katholieke Universiteit in Leuven; the Mind Speller is a portable, easy-to-wear, intelligent textual and verbal communications prototype device based on an EEG-bas
Mind-Controled Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a mind-controlled wheelchair using brain computer interface technologies for individuals with mobility and severe disabilities. Researchers at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland have developed a mind-controlled wheelchair which uses an artificial intelligence system called “shared control” making the brain-machine interface more usable. An individual uses his/her thoughts to create specific brain patterns that are re
Mobi Electric Folding Wheelchair
The Mobi Electric Folding Wheelchair a compact electric wheelchair prototype that can fold into itself within the diameter of its wheels. It is made of lightweight materials and functions as a manual wheelchair, yet at the base of the wheels, there is a battery-powered mechanism to help move the wheels forward or backward. Gyroscope technology keeps the two-wheeled chair balanced.
Mobile Internet Connected Assistant (Mica)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To develop an intelligent wheelchair that uses a remote-controlled or autonomous operation for individuals with mobility disabilities. The Mobile Internet Connected Assistant (MICA), developed by Sven Rönnbäck of Luleå University of Technology in Sweden, utilizes a built-in distance-metering sensor to discover the surfaces that are available and that the wheelchair is being used in a safe manner. Individuals with severe mobility disabilities can use the head-con
Mobile Lorm Glove
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a communication device that allows individuals who are deaf and blind who use Lorm, a tactile signing language, communicate with each other via mobile technology. The prototype called, Mobile Lorm Glove, relies on Lorm. The bottom side of the glove has pressure sensors which translate Lorm into visual or audible forms of communication, such as text messages or speech over a mobile phone. The glove allows its wearer to receive text messag
Mobile Music Touch
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a vibrating glove device that assists individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) learn to play the piano. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have seen an improvement in sensation and movement in the hands of people with paralyzing SCI after wearing a glove that helps them learn to play piano. The Mobile Music Touch (MMT) is a glove that helps people with SCI learn to play different songs by vibrating the wearer’s fingers to
Mobility Assistance Device
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a mobility assistance device that targets eased standing, sitting, and walking in individuals with disabilities and older adults. Anurag Purwar, PhD, research associate professor at the Department of Medical Engineering at Stony Brook University has developed a mobility solution engineered to assist individuals with disabilities and older adults in sitting, standing, and walking. Using his machine design background, Dr. Purwar developed a
Mobilysis
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a mobile dialysis for individuals with conditions related to kidney function. Mobilysis is a dialysis machine that is worn on the body and aims to ease the lifestyle of patients by making it possible to cleanse the blood while going about their daily routine rather than spending several hours at the hospital each week. The device attaches to the waist and is compact enough that clothes can fit over it. It can be controlled through a smar
Motion Global Eye
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a input device for individuals who have low vision to interact with modern technologies in a natural and intuitive way. The Motion Global Eye has nine tactile points arranged in a square and a central guide. The device setup uses a keytop overlay to mimic the common alphanumeric keypad for inputting information, and other overlays are available. The device also offers video recording capability. TITLE: 9 Spots for your Eye. WEBSITE: Yank
Motive Motorized Wheelchair Kit
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a motorized wheelchair powered by gasoline that can be used by individuals with mobility disabilities to participate in off-road activities such as hunting and fishing. This prototype uses a small motorcycle engine and the chair is capable of reaching speeds up to 25 miles per hour and geared to handle hills. A do-it-yourself kit is expected to be available through Motive Transportation in January 2010. The kit uses an engine almost iden
Motorized Wheelchair Seat Shifting System
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a wheelchair seat that aids wheelchair users to change his or her seated position periodically. Changing position when seated for a long period of time is especially important for wheelchair users who spend almost every making moment seated. Failure to do so can result in deformities, bedsores, or considerable pain. The Swiss research group, Empa, is working with an ergonomics company to develop a new type of wheelchair seat that periodica
Mouth Stick Holder Prototype
The Mouth Stick Holder Prototype is a positioning aid designed for those individuals with upper extremity disabilities to hold their mouthstick in place while working in a classroom. This is a mouth stick holder made to support a student on a work placement, giving the individual easy access to their mouthstick when they need it. This prototype is wider in diameter than the final product, which was made in black and white, a version more appropriate for a teenager.
Mouthstick Tool
Mouthstick Tool is a tool for artists who can’t use their hands but want to paint. The paint brushes are connected to a mouthpiece. To use, the artist holds the Mouthstick Tool in their mouth and paints.
Move On
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a temporary training device that assists patients who have experienced a stroke to recover faster and overcome fine and gross motor disabilities. The neuroelectric signals of some stroke victims are too low for complete muscle contraction. Move On is an exoskeletal orthosis that is strapped to a person's leg, hip and lower torso. The device senses adynamic muscle signals and translates them into a desired movement. It can also help a pe
Mp Walker
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a multifunctional walking support for individuals with balance, mobility and walking disabilities. The MP Walker allows the user to move side to side, forward, and backward with support. Additionally, the walker has a small seat for taking a rest. The MP Walker folds for storage and multiple assembly configurations are possible for different heights and positions. It also can be used a a reverse walker. TITLE: Advanced Walking. WEBSITE:
MRI-Guided Co-Robotic Active Catheter
The MRI-Guided Co-Robotic Active Catheter is a co-robotic active catheter system for performing atrial fibrillation ablation under real-time intra-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. This can be achieved by purposefully ablating (destroying) specific areas of the heart in a controlled fashion, the propagation of irregular heart activity can be prevented. This is generally achieved by threading a catheter with an electrode at its tip
Multipurpose Kitchen Board
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a multipurpose kitchen board for individuals with grasping disabilities or who are one-handed. The Multipurpose Kitchen Board is designed to assist people with use of only one hand in the kitchen with food preparation tasks such as holding items in place while cutting and opening jars and bottles. The prototype is a cutting mat with a plastic enclosure that has an adjustable arm that can be locked onto either side of the board and at any
Munivo: Hand Map
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an electronic navigation aid worn on the hand that allows individuals who are blind or have low vision to "see" potential obstacles in their path. Designer Calin Giubega has created a the Munivo as a "hand map." The Munivo attaches to the hand by sliding the outside edge (opposite the thumb) of the palm of the hand into the open end of the device's "U" shape. Sensors are located at the end of the handle portion of the device the fits ove
Murr-Ma Amphibious Prosthesis
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a prosthesis for individuals with lower limb amputation for use at the beach and for swimming. Murr-ma is a specialized prosthesis that enables individuals with lower limb amputation to enjoy beach activities and swimming. Inspired by the dorsal fin of the sailfish, this prosthesis has fins attached to its carbon fiber center post to channel water flowing alongside the post and out at the sides, providing the wearer with the necessary th
My Voice
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an American Sign Language (ASL) translator that uses video to capture and then interpret a person's sign language movements. Students at the University of Houston designed a device called MyVoice, an ASL translator that uses a video camera to capture a person's sign language movements. MyVoice is a portable device that incorporates a microphone, speaker, soundboard, video camera, and monitor. The device has a stand on the back that folds
Myo Armband
The Myo Armband is wearable technology designed for those individuals with upper extremity amputation to control computer devices by by reading the electricity produced by their skeletal muscles and then sending these signals wirelessly via Bluetooth to the device.
Navigation Glasses For The Blind
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of glasses that allow users who are blind or have low vision navigate their environment. Navigation Glasses for the Blind is a pair of special glasses teamed with an earpiece and a microphone. It helps the individual who is blind or has low vision to visualize their surroundings. Sensors in the glasses pick up the elements around the person and provide auditory feedback to represent the surrounding environment. A microphone built into the g
Navigational Aids For The Visually Impaired (Navi)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an adapted Kinect sensor to help improve the indoor navigation of individuals with visual disabilities. Engineering students at the University of Konstanz in Germany have developed a prototype to improve indoor navigation for individuals with visual impairment using the Microsoft Kinect camera, a vibrotactile waistbelt, and markers from the AR-Toolkit. Navigational Aids for the Visually Impaired (NAVI), consists of a helmet-mounted Kinec
Nebbie
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of portable nebulizer designed for children with respiratory disabilities. Parents with children who have asthma have only two options for treatment, the nebulizer and the inhaler. While the inhaler is easily carried, it is less effective at the onset of an attack. Nebbie is a portable nebulizer that offers both the effectiveness of the mist nebulizer and the practicality and portability of the inhaler. When not in use, this nebulizer packs
Neilson Navarette Assistive Seat
The Assistive Seat designed by Neilson is inspired by the Audi R8. It is designed for use by individuals with limited lower extremity strength, mobility and coordination as a result of cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, or traumatic brain injury. The design features three wheels, two on the side and a free-floating rear wheel used to maneuver the chair. Neilson Navarette reduced the weight by adding with low-profile tires and by adding a smaller electric engine; the lighter engine a
Nephrostomy Catheter
PROTOTYPE-----Nephrostomy Catheter is designed for use by pediatric urologists to obtain their own nephrostomy access during the kidney stone removal procedure. This technique for nephrostomy creation has an urologist advance a puncture wire through the working channel of a flexible ureteroscope and out of the kidney. Early data suggests dramatic reductions in radiation exposure, shorter learning curve, and less bleeding.
New Rule
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of ruler that will allow individuals with low vision to read smaller units of measurements such as centimeters and millimeters on the ruler. The New Rule has larger numbers on higher contrast measurement bars. A sliding pointer runs along the center of the ruler, displaying the millimeter measurement as numbers, again on a high contrast background, on a wheel inside the pointer's housing. An arm inside the slider rests against the track and
New Technology Crutches
New Technology Crutches are supports designed for My and for others with upper and lower extremity disabilities to help them walk. It is similar to crutches or a walker and can rest under the user's forearm.
NEWS: New Electric Wheelchairs
The NEWS: New Electric Wheelchairs is a prototype that attaches to manual wheelchairs and makes them electric, eliminating the need to buy a costly electric wheelchair. It has a joystick, sub-grip, safety light, motor, cooler, docking station and electric charger.
Nike Zoom Soldier 8
The Nike Zoom Soldier 8 is a workout shoe developed for people with disabilities that are athletes to do two things, give them greater independence without having to have someone tie their shoes and to give them the opportunity to do a high intensity workout without worrying about their shoes slipping off. This is not a regular slip on shoe, and has the same support as Lebron James shoes. It slips on and then has a zipper that goes around the heel for adequate support. This gives people with one
Nimbl
Nimbl is a wheelchair prototype concept designed specifically for domestic/indoor use to give increased access without sacrificing mobility inside a house. It features a carbon fiber tub which houses the 10-inch lift actuator, motorized hubless wheels and interchangeable battery. The wheelchair also integrates a magnetically placed armrest remote that allows both right- and left-handed control. The wheelchair comes with short wheelbase to increase the maneuverability within the home. Users can r
No Hands 3D Video Game Device
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an eye-gaze 3D video gaming device which allows users with mobility disabilities to perform various commands easier and faster. Eye-gaze systems bounce infrared light from LEDs at the bottom of the computer monitor and track an individual’s eye movements using stereo infrared cameras. This new system can calculate where on the screen a user is looking, and has an accuracy of about five millimeters. While including traditional point and c
Non-Powered Wheels To Powered
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an attachable device which converts a non-motorized wheelchair into a motorized wheelchair similar to wheelchair design used by the pop-culture comic book icon of Professor Xavier form the X-Men franchise. Created by Ju Hyun Lee from Yanko Design the device attaches to any standard wheelchair providing instant motorized power. This device has potential uses for hospitals, nursing homes, physical therapy centers, and for the average wheel
Nonni
Nonni uses facial recognition technology to monitor the child from a distance. The drone would be stationary unless the child strayed from the safe space. At that point, the drone would hover toward the child and use a recorded voice message from the parent to prompt the child to go to a safe area.
Note-Taker
The Note-Taker device is a prototype for visually impaired students to be able to listen, watch, and take notes all at the same time. It was developed by David Hayden, at the end of his junior year at Arizona State University, when he submitted his invention to the worldwide Microsoft Imagine Cup competition (in the “touch and tablet” category).
nuVision Jacket Prototype and Wrist Mount
The nuVision Jacket Prototype and Wrist Mount is designed with Kinect motion sensors in order to help visually impaired people better avoid obstacles and move around more safely. The nuVision Jacket uses Kinect motion sensors and alerts a user with haptic tactile feedback on the user's back. Users can tell the position and distance of an obstacle by the location and intensity of the vibration from a tactile feedback unit attached to a backpack. The processing unit is a laptop computer placed in
Obaby Support Stroller
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: The OBaby stroller prototype was designed for people suffering from muscular degenerative diseases as well as elderly grandparents who need to use a walker while still caring for young children. The stroller doubles as a walking aid, supporting the weight of the user. The center of gravity has been shifted to allow a user to lean on the stroller. The front wheels have been redesigned to allow them to roll up and onto a curb. The triple wheel gang concept was
Odor Menu
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a restaurant menu for individuals who are blind or have low vision to order food by providing the smells of the foods offered in place of pictures. The Odor Menu is an electronic menu enhanced with a braille menu and the smells of each dish offered on the menu. This small oval device has an electric active plastic screen that can display refreshable braille and a small vent near the bottom that can emit the odors of the dish currently di
Ogo
The Ogo is a wheelchair designed for use by individuals limited lower extremity mobility associated with a spinal cord injury or other neurological disorders. The Ogo is equipped with active moving seat control, which makes it intuitive to use and hands free. The users use their core muscles and lean in the direction they want to travel, thus moving the chair in the desired direction. By changing the wheels, the user can travel on various terrains such as the beach.
Omnifer
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of duel-purpose cover for the Apple iPad™ that doubles as a Braille reader for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Designed by Jayson D’Alessandro for the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDEA) Awards, The Omnifer is an innovative cover for the iPad that transforms the iPad’s touch screen into Braille. The Omnifer is a light-weight three-panel flip design cover that allows users to switch between Braille mode and standard
One Hand Sony
The One Hand Sony is a device designed for those individuals with one hand to hold their gaming remote with one hand. The One Hand Sony is a device to hold the Playstation hand control and play with one hand. The team designed a leg anchor to hold the hand control and adapted the control so the individual can reach all functionality with one hand.
One-Hand Driving Device
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a device that allows drivers with disabilities steer, accelerate, change gears and brake with one hand. Users with reduced hand strength can easily use this device since it is completely electronically controlled—no mechanics are involved. To simulate the natural haptic feedback provided by a mechanical steering wheel, motors have been added to the device to simulate those sensations. The ease in which the device is operated can also be ad
One-Handed X-Box Control Joystick
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a one-handed, X-Box control joystick to enable an individual with limited or no mobility in his or her arm to interact with X-Box video games. The standard X-Box controller requires two hands to play a game while this new design implements every function on the paddle in a configuration that can be operated with one hand.
The final product, One-Handed X-Box Control Joystick, was constructed by modifying a store-bought joystick to include all of the fea
Onesie for Battery-less Wireless Pediatric ECG Monitoring
PROTOTYPE-----Onesie for Battery-less Wireless Pediatric ECG Monitoring is designed to provided constant physiological monitoring via a flexible, battery-less device that snaps inside the garment. This miniaturized device will be powered by body heat whenever it is worn, continuously collect medical grade ECG, monitor for cardiac arrhythmias, and wirelessly communicate with a smart phone. This product will facilitate unobtrusive, continuous monitoring of infants for diagnosis and treatment of he
Ontenna Smart Hair Clip
The Ontenna Smart Hair Clip was designed to alert people with hearing difficulties to sounds around them. Ontenna Smart Hair Clip is a wearable barrette shaped device designed for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It reacts to the rhythm and loudness of a sound. Ontenna will be available in two versions: a larger model will connect to a companion app via Bluetooth and there will also be a smaller version minus the Bluetooth connectivity.
Optical Stethoscope
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an optical stethoscope for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Optical Stethoscope provides an digital display of a person's pulse rate when the instrument is placed the person's chest in the vicinity of the heart. It also will provide a graphic representation of the pulse, similar to an electrocardiogram. It can also be used to display stomach fluid or breath sounds in waveform. TITLE: Optical Heartbeat For Better Diagnosis. WEB
Orcam
The OrCam is voice output navigation and orientation aid with voice input controls, optical character recognition (OCR) reading device, and voice output paper money identifier for people who are blind or have low vision and people with reading or memory disabilities. The OrCam consists of a small camera that can be attached to any standard pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses, a small but powerful computer that can be clipped to a belt or put into a pocket, and a bone conductive earpiece. The camera
Outdoor Play Activity Center
PROTOTYPE --- PURPOSE: To design a sensory-stimulating outdoor play activity center for children with limited physical and cognitive abilities. The prototype frame structure consists of five activity stations and nine different activities. The frame structure is weatherproof, height-adjustable, and can be easily dismantled for storage. Activities are designed to stimulate the visual, auditory, and tactile senses. Components are interchangeable and removable for cleaning or storage. The frame is
Outfeet
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a prosthetic leg that addresses the unique needs of women with leg amputation. Outfeet is a prosthetic limb designed to replicate the look and workings of the female silhouette and muscle structure. Outfeet aims to be not only a medical device but a fashion accessory as well. The leg has bones and flexible skins that can be stretched onto its carbon fiber body. The body gives Outfeet the volume and silhouette of a leg without compromisin
Outfeet
The Outfeet is a prosthetic leg designed for users with lower extremity amputation. It is designed specifically for amputee women and focuses on their unique needs and desires. Outfeet is not only a medical device but it allows the amputee to express and recreate herself according to her day, special events, or desirable looks. The Outfeet prosthesis's structure refers to the leg Silhouette and form, its shape follows the feminine body attributes, and is designed to be an ideal base for the "ski
P-One
P-One shoes are a hands-free shoe lacing system. They are designed for individuals with low upper extremity mobility. This shoe is designed to be laced with only the user's body weight. The user steps into the shoe and the laces tighten. To remove the shoe the user places pressure on the back of the shoe, on a small lever. This lever releases the laces. The user has to have the ability to step into the shoes because the laces are weight activated.
P.a.w.s. Wheelchair
The P.A.W.S. Wheelchair is a prototype all-terrain powered wheelchair designed for indoor or outdoor use by individuals with mobility disabilities. This six-wheel drive wheelchair has parallel all wheel steering (PAWS), which allows it to travel on sand or rough trails and up steep grades, and also to navigate tight office space and public facilities. The seat and all of the wheels share a common linkage that allows them to rotate relative to the frame while remaining parallel to one another. FR
Pain Chip
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an implantable chip capable of canceling the pain signals sent from the spine to the brain for individuals with spinal cord injury and/or chronic pain. Researchers from Australia have created a chip designed for individuals who suffer from chronic pain. The chip will be inserted into the body, along with a biocompatible device, and the two devices will be sewn into a 1.22-millimeter wide polymer yarn that is merged with electronic wires.
Papertab
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: The PaperTab prototype tablet allows the device to bend without breaking. Developed by Plastic Logic, PaperTab has a flexible touchscreen that lets users send files and emails as well as navigate through pages of documents using hand gestures. One can also combine several PaperTabs into one larger surface by placing them side by side, or share files by touching one tablet to another.
POWER: Intel i5 processor
SIZES: 10.7-inch tablet
Parafree Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a minimalist wheelchair for individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury who are looking for a functional, stylish, and sporty mobility solution that provides a little extra workout throughout the day. Parafree is a minimalistic wheelchair with a unique frame structure designed to compel individuals with paraplegia to maintain constant balance, encouraging abdominal, back and core muscle training. The i
Pediatric FlexView
PROTOTYPE-----Pediatric FlexView is a channeled video laryngoscope with an articulating distal section and a flexible design that increases functionality as well as comfort for the pediatric patient. For use in even remote locations such as the delivery suite or intensive care unit, Pediatric FlexView incorporates a lightweight design, slim insertion profile, anti-fog capability, the ability to conform to patient anatomy, and a disposable sheath. Articulation allows vertical compensation not see
Peepo Gps Device For Use With Guide Dogs
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype GPS device system for individuals with visual-impairment and/or blindness can use with a guide dog for greater mobility and freedom getting around new and unfamiliar territories. Since guide dogs usually come trained for individuals to use while getting around the local neighborhood, this can be limiting to mobility and independence to individuals with disabilities when exploring new and unfamiliar territories. The Peepo GPS Device gives th
Peg Restrained Intrinsic Muscle Evaluator (Prime)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: A device to measure intrinsic hand muscle strength was created as a senior project by undergraduates at Rice University. Hoping to improve upon current hand strength evaluation techniques, the Peg Restrained Intrinsic Muscle Evaluator (PRIME) was developed. PRIME can use by medical professionals to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical interventions and diagnose neuromuscular degenerative diseases. The device consists of a pegboard restraint, a force transducer
Pegasus
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a stand up wheelchair for individuals with paraplegia or mobility disabilities. One goal of this prototype, Pegasus, is to break away from the negative images and appearances of current wheelchairs. Pegasus allows for an efficient movement into the upright position. A manual actuation in combination with an electric drive motor with gyroscopic sensors (inspired by the Segway) allows the user to maneuver in very small spaces. TITLE: Pega
Pego Finger Friendly Cutting Board
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an adjustable cutting board for individuals with fine motor, neurological or upper extremity disabilities. Pego is designed to be an all-in-one cutting board solution. The design consists of a cutting surface, secured knife and pegs that are used to hold food in place while the user chops, dices and minces and keeps fingers out of harm's way. The pegs can be moved into a variety of configurations, allowing the user to place the items on
Pen holder helper
The Pen holder helperis a pencil or pen holder designed for individuals to use with a universal finger cuff. The device is intended for users with arthritis or other grasping or upper extremity disabilities. The key guard and pen holder adjust right or left and can be used with any utensil holder. It provides stability while the user writes.
Permobil X850 Corpus 3G
The Permobil X850 Corpus All-Terrain Power Wheelchair is an offroad wheelchair designed for cross-country use in all weather. With rear-wheel drive, a powerful motor, and robust suspension this is a wheelchair which users can safely drive at 15 kilometers/hour.
Permoveh (Personal Mobile Vehicle)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a personal mobility vehicle for individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury. The Permoveh (from Personal Mobile Vehicle) is a powered wheelchair alternative developed by Komori Masaharu, an associate professor from Kyoto University. The Permoveh uses a wheel-in-wheel system that allows the vehicle to travel diagonally and laterally with no need for turning space. The prototype allows wheelchair users t
Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility (PUMA)
The Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility (PUMA) prototype is for wheelchairs users that are looking for different form of transportation. The PUMA has two self-balancing in-wheel electric motors which are controlled by gyroscopes, as well as a fly-by-wire system. The PUMA can currently cover 35 miles on one charge, but it is expected that the range will extend to 50 miles or more in the future. The PUMA has a digital network that can pull up and read information on nearby parking spaces,
Phantom Limb
The Phantom Limb is a prosthetic hand designed for use by individuals with upper extremity disabilities and hand amputees. The prosthetic hand is a 3D printed hand which receives signals from electrodes in the harness to form various grips and gestures, using buttons in the forearm. Features the following positions: closed fist, open palm, thumbs up, point, pinch, and tripod. Also features a Bluetooth enabled wrist with USB port, torch, and laser. A small screen interfaces in the wrist that conn
Picture Phone
---- CUSTOMIZED ADAPTATION --------- PURPOSE: To develop a prototype telephone that relies on photographs of the user’s regular contacts to dial the desired phone number for individuals with cognitive disabilities. Warren Goodland; a British masters candidate in Design Research for Disability, has developed a system where the photographs of the user's regular contacts are placed in a special peripheral attached to the phone. The user, by touching either the photo or the holder then dials the des
Pill Crush
The Pill Crush is designed for people who can't swallow or have difficulty crushing their pills and thus making it easier to consume it. The Pill Crush prototype is a portable medicine grinder that also functions as a syringe using a MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer.
Pill Dispenser
The Pill Dispenser is a electronic device that enables individuals with limited movement to take pills independently. This product can run on a web server, which is used to setup dose times. Internet connection may be used for time synchronization. Doses can also be controlled by button display.
Plan.b
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an electronic refreshable map of the urban environment for individuals who are blind or have low vision. A German designer has developed plan.b, a digital street map projected onto a refreshable tactile display to provide a tactile representation of surroundings to the visually impaired to aid a person to navigate safely. It also offers additional audio information by pressing the displayed structures as well. The plan.b provides importa
Plane Seat Assistance
Plane Seat Assistance is an in-flight supportive vest, neck brace, and leg support designed for children with cerebral palsy to fly comfortably.
PneumoKazoo
PneumoKazoo is a tool designed to detect pneumonia. PneumoniaCheck uses fluid mechanics to separate the upper airway particles from the lower airway particles. The separation means that only a lung specimen is captured on the filter at the end of the device. This filter can then be analyzed using traditional microbiology methods or more sensitive molecular DNA analysis to identify the specific pathogen causing pneumonia, or other lower respiratory infections. The ability to identify the specific
Pocket-Sized Acc
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: A new software application, “Locabulary”, available for download free through Apple’s iTunes Store allows individuals with communication disabilities to their iPhone to speak when they are unable. Created by an collaboration between a team of clinicians at the MDA clinic at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL and the design firm PUSH Product Design; the Locabulary application transforms the iPhone into an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device
Poker Chip Dispenser
PROTOTYPE --- PURPOSE: To design and construct a poker chip dispenser that eases the stacking and dispersion of chips for an individual with cerebral palsy. A unit with the capacity to hold 240 chips, incorporating slide ramp technology was designed. The unit was required to be mobile, functional, and to fit within a table space of 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches. Design goals included: 1) minimizing moving parts to ensure function and durability; 2) developing a compact unit to assist in mobility and
Pop Up Touchscreen
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University, Graduate student Chris Harrison and Professor Scott Hudson, have designed a prototype of an alternative touch-screen technology surface which allows for display capabilities of a normal touch screen; but also produces physical pop-up buttons for tactile interaction. This prototype is ideal for persons who are blind or visually impaired. The prototype design incorporates a screen with hidden latex air bubbles. An air
Portable Indoor Localization Aid for the Visually Impaired (prototype)
The Portable Indoor Localization Aid for the Visually Impaired is a prototype navigation aid designed to help Blind or Low vision individuals navigate their surroundings. The prototype consists of a foot-mounted pedometer and a white cane-mounted sensing package, which is comprised of a 3-axis gyroscope and a 2D laser scanner. There is a two-layered estimator that tracks the 3D orientation of the white cane in the first layer, and the 2D position of the user holding the cane in the second layer.
Portable Sign Language Translator (Pslt)
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype technology that is capable of transforming sign language to text to assist individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing in communicating with those around them. Developed by scientists in Aberdeen, Scotland, the Portable Sign Language Translator (PSLT) is an application that utilizes a camera on electronic devices such as notebooks and smartphones to translate hand movements into text. The aim of this technology is empower sign language user
Pressure Sores Monitor
The Pressure Sores Monitor is a pressure sensing mat designed for wheelchair users to fit under the seat of a wheelchair. It is designed for people in wheelchairs who face the problem of "pressure sores" designed to notify them when they have been sitting in the same position for too long. Each prong of the 3D printed X sits atop a pressure sensor and runs through an Arduino. It connects to an app via Bluetooth, which shows the pressure in darkening shades of red, indicating both where pressure
Pressureaid
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a waterproof hearing aid for individuals who are hard-of-hearing or deaf. People with hearing aids are often unable to participate in activities involving water, such as swimming. The PressureAID is a unique water-safe hearing aid that aims to expand the participation of individuals who are hard-of-hearing or deaf in activities that that involve immersion in water. The PressureAID's specialized soft silicon skin creates a soft surface fo
Prototye Bicycle
Prototye Bicycle is designed for people with limit basic motor skills such as balance and strength associated with cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and acquired brain injuries independently ride a bicycle. This bike supports riders by helping them balance the bike with minimum effort to operate while looking like a standard bicycle. This helps the rider gain the independence and confidence to ride a bicycle without assistance.
PS4 Trigger button extender
The PS4 Trigger button extender is a prototype device designed for users with muscular dystrophy, loss of muscle mass, or who have a weak grip. The device is meant to be used with a PlayStation 4 game console, and it works by adding an additional trigger support next to the key buttons on the controller making easier to press the button.
Puffin the Sip-and-Puff Joystick Controller
Puffin the Sip-and-Puff Joystick Controller is a low-cost sip-and-puff joystick for persons with severe physical disabilities, neurological disabilities, or spinal cord injury that allows the user to control a smartphone, laptop or tablet. It is known to help people living with various disabilities, including paraplegia and cerebral palsy, diabetes, neuropathic facial pain and hearing and vision impairments. The overall design as well as the components include something to hold the mouse, a phys
Pulse
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype an auditory system to assist in transitioning to wearing a hearing aid for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. For children, transitioning to wearing a hearing aid can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Pulse is an auditory system designed improve the transition a hearing aid by providing interactive activities such as memory games and recording challenges that the entire family can engage in. Pulse uses audio induction loop technolog
Pushtracker
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype tracking device (PushTracker) to monitor activity levels of individuals with lower extremity and mobility disabilities, spinal cord injury and others who use manual wheelchairs. The PushTracker allows manual wheelchair users to monitor their activity on an hourly, daily, and monthly level and includes data on average cadence, push distance, and total number of pushes. This device allows a manual wheelchair user to measure how he or she push
Puzzle Keyboard
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a computer keyboard with keys that can be arranged according to the user's preferences allowing greater flexibility in using a keyboard for people with upper extremity disabilities or the use of only one hand. The Puzzle Keyboard is composed of keys that can all be separated and rearranged so that it is infinitely adaptable to the design and layout required by each user. Keyboard layouts can be angled for better ergonomics and wrist posi
Ran's Leg Support
Ran's Leg Support is an electronic support system designed to alert a user when he has too much pressure on his leg, saving him from severe pain and further injury. It is designed to hlep users to feel whether or not they should adjust their leg brace. It is a leg sensor and phone app to alert.
Rapid Rehab Smart Insole
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype "smart" shoe insole for individuals with prosthetic legs or individuals undergoing rehabilitation after hip fracture or replacement to correct their gait. University of Utah engineering professor, Stacy Bamberg, has developed the Rapid Rehab smart shoe insole to correct the gait of people who have prosthetic legs or people in rehabilitation after hip fracture or replace. The Rapid Rehab insole consists of a custom gel insole embedded with f
RaspberryMAGNIFY
The RaspberryMAGNIFY is a high definition digital magnifier for individuals who are visually impaired. It is powered by the Raspberry Pi, a credit-card sized programmable computer, and runs on software that can be customized to suit the user's requirements/needs.
Read Read
The Read Read is a prototype Braille learning device designed for blind and low vision people to provide them with unparalleled instruction in Braille skills or to teach them how to read Braille. The Read Read allows independent learning through the same manipulative-based instruction teachers use to teach children how to read Braille. The device's letter tiles feature sturdy Braille printed on metal, making it easier for those just learning Braille to decipher each letter by touch. The device a
Real-Time Prosthetic Socket Monitoring Device
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a real-time prosthetic socket monitoring device for individuals with lower limb disabilities and/or amputation. University of Washington (UW) engineers have developed a device that tracks how much a person's limb swells and shrinks when inside a prosthetic socket. The portable real-time prosthetic socket monitoring device measures the percentage increase or decrease of fluid volume in the prosthetic user's limb by receiving data from sma
Record Me
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an accessible recording device for individuals with memory or cognitive disabilities. Record me provides the means for caregivers or a user with disabilities to messages and reminders that can be heard later by themselves or others. Rather than rely solely on a notebook or sticky notes on a refrigerator or bulletin board, the Record me allows users to leave a voice message that can be easily recorded and played back. To record a message
Remote Assistance
The Remote Assistance is a remote medical alarm that will allow a person to alert those near by to an emergency. It can be placed with double adhesive tape on the outside of an apartment door, given to a next door neighbor, or given to a caretaker. The remote works in two ways: the first method is via the remote clicker for conscious assistance, and the second method is with micro controller that can monitor the users heart rate vitals.
Removable Mobile Arm
Removable Mobile Arm is an adapted iPad communication device holder designed for people with communication disabilities to use. It was adapted for an iPad that was difficult for people with Cerebral Palsy to hold and use as a communication device. It was designed with an extended arm so the caregivers can easily attach the extended arm and the user can have control of bringing the iPad closer with the click of their head on mouse keys. The team also designed a rotator to allows users to easily t
Repeat
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a therapeutic aid for children with autism spectrum disorders monitor and limit their repeated actions. Children with autism tend to repeat certain actions (e.g., bobbing the head, rocking the body, scratching the flesh, and banging the hand). The Repeat device attempts to teach a child with autism to limit their repeated actions to a time frame indicated on the product by flashing LED lights. Repeat is made from a soft, stretchy silicon
Reveal Color
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a tactile system that allows individuals who are blind or have low vision to learn to sense colors through touch. Understanding the concept of color can be challenging for individuals with visual disabilities. The Reveal project aims to utilize a tactile system of simple shapes that can be easily learned by anyone for application in everyday life. Using tactile flashcards and posters as well as an audio application (or app) for smartphon
Reviewer VR
The Reviewer VR prototype is a wearable accessory designed for individuals who are blind or have low vision individuals to play virtual reality on their smartphones or tablets. It allows the user to convert such a mobile device into a virtual reality. Users can enjoy playing games, watching movies, searching the internet, videoconferencing, and educating themselves with the virtual reality feature.
Revolution Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: The Revolution is a backless wheelchair prototype that offers a user easier transfer in and out. Designed for paraplegics with lower spinal cord injuries and core muscle control, the concept allows users to enter the wheelchair by sliding forward or exit by sliding up and back, motions that are easy to perform in comparison to traditional entry/exit. The user is securely positioned in an active kneeling position, which increases circulation and muscle activatio
Ringbow
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a computer mouse alternative for individuals with fine motor disabilities and other disabilities the restrict the use of the hand. The Ringbow is a ring worn on the user’s finger that operates as a mouse letting the user control the touch functions for a touchscreen computer. The Ringbow works with the touchscreen electronic tablet technology allowing the device to know which finger is touching the display. With the Ringbow on, the user
Robo-Tar
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a device that allows individuals with fine motor skill or upper extremity disabilities to play the guitar using a series of foot pedals. Robo-tar is a device that attaches to the neck of a standard guitar and actuates chords electronically using a series of pedals. The Robo-tar allows individuals to play the guitar with only one hand (strumming) and the use of one foot to control the appropriate chords. It is intended to reduce the learn
RoboDesk
RoboDesk is designed for use by individuals who use a wheelchair for mobility to provide an efficient and easy-to-use method to access an iPad or other mobile device without being limited by environmental obstacles such as tables.
Robohand
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a prosthetic hand for a child born without fingers on his right hand and an individual who lost four fingers in an accident. Richard Van As, a developer from South Africa, developed a a prosthetic replacement for his hand that had already lost four fingers in an accident. Working alongside Washington-based prop manufacturer Ivan Owen, they created the "Robohand," which has also been fitted on a five-year old child in South Africa. This b
Robot Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a robotic wheelchair that can climb over steps for individuals with mobility or lower extremity disabilities or spinal cord injury. A group of researchers from Chiba Institute of Technology led by Shuro Nakajima have designed a robot wheelchair that is capable of climbing over steps. The robot wheelchair has four-wheel drive and five axes to overcome a previously insurmountable obstacle for regular wheelchair users. The user navigates wi
Robotic Arm Prosthesis
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a robotic arm prosthesis with tactile sensors for use by individuals with paralysis, amputation, or mobility disabilities. Researchers at Georgia Tech are developing a new technology that allows an individual with quadriplegia to use a robot to perform tasks such as pulling a blanket over themselves and grabbing a cloth to wipe their face. This robotic arm prosthesis is unique as it was created with tactile sensing material across its en
Robotic Bed
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Panasonic has created a prototype robotic bed which transforms into a wheelchair allowing the elderly or individuals with disabilities to get up without assistance. The user remains in the bed while the bed turns into a wheelchair. The conversion to a wheelchair involves half of the mattress rising and half lowering while a motorized unit beneath it automatically slides out from the bed. While in chair mode, the robot can detect people and obstacles and assist u
Robotic Corbys Platform Orthosis
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a powered orthosis designed to move a stroke patient's legs in response to feedback from the brain. Stroke treatment often includes therapists retraining a person's body by repeatedly lifting his or her legs, guiding them through a proper walking pattern. The European Union funded the CORBYS project, which aims to make such therapy easier by developing a powered orthosis to move the stroke patient's legs in response to feedback from the br
Robotic Locker Opener
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a powered, remotely operated door opener for a high school locker for a student with muscular dystrophy. A pair of seniors, Micah Stuhldreher and Wyatt Smrcka, in a robotics class at Pinckney Community High School in Michigan used their school's resources to build a device that allows their classmate with muscular dystrophy to open his locker using a remote control from his wheelchair. Working with their robotics teacher, they fabricated moving parts a
Robotic Prosthetic Arm, Teensy Arduino Version 3.2/3.1
This robotic arm, Teensy Arduino Version 3.0, is made for people with no arm(s) to allow them the capability to use a robotic arm. It has been and can be controlled via a spinal implant. Used instead of a prosthetic, it functions by a microcontroller as well as amplifier circuits and Bluetooth receivers. To control the arm, the user flexes a muscle to choose from a menu of movements, then performs a series of eye blinks to select pre-loaded gestures such as hand, elbow, or wrist movements. Once
Robotic Trolley For The Elderly
The Robotic Trolley For The Elderly is a height-adjustable grocery cart prototype designed for the elderly and people with upper and lower extremity disabilities, that allows them to easily unload their cart. Users can help users change the height so they don't have to lift their bags very far.
Robotic Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a robotic wheelchair to assist aging individuals and those with mobility disabilities in to move about while out shopping in public. Researchers at ATR Intelligent Robotics and Communication Laboratories as part of their Ubiquitous Network Robot (UNR) project have created a prototype of a robotic wheelchair that relies on innovative platforms such global positioning system (GPS) navigation, sensor networks, and mobile devices to have the
Rock’n Roller
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a motorized sensory platform for a high school student with shaken baby syndrome to allow her to enjoy movement and music independently. The young woman has severe cognitive, visual, and physical disabilities and poor muscle coordination. She can only voluntarily control her head and right hand. She spent most of her time in a manual wheelchair and was unable to propel herself. Her teachers were unable to give her constant 1-on-1 attenti
Rocket
The Rocket is a powered wheelchair designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities. FRAME: Non-folding automotive-style steel unibody construction with optional tie-downs for transport. The chair is 24.75 inches wide. The chasis is available in ocean spray speckle, flaming rocket red, four seasons green, or black. CONTROLS: Fully programmable touch button controls with joystick-style steering. The controls can be right- or left-mounted and switched as needed. The controls can be exten
Rocking Teapot
---- CUSTOMIZED ADAPTATION --------- PURPOSE: To provide a custom adaptation which allows users with dexterity and fine motor skill disabilities use a teapot safely and easily. The Rocking Teapot is a beautifully crafted porcelain teapot and wooden/chrome tipping stand. Individuals with weak and/or numb hands can pour a cup of tea from a heavy teapot safely. Future modifications could include the ability to heat the water in teapot whilst still sitting in its stand, thus removing the challenge
Rodem "sci-Fi" Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a electric wheelchair that resembles a scooter to offer greater mobility to individuals with mobility disabilities (i.e. wheelchair users, etc.). Created by robotics and medical experts in Japan, the four-wheeled Rodem allows users to ride astride, compared a conventional sitting wheelchair. The user can steer with a joystick, hold onto motorbike-style handles while the knees and chest rest on cushions. This design allows user to easil
Rough Terrain Guidance System For Powered Wheelchairs
---- CUSTOMIZED ADAPTATION --------- PURPOSE: To create a custom adapted wheelchair terrain sensing control system for individuals with mobility disabilities, spinal cord injury and other people who use wheelchairs. This adaptation was inspired by the needs of disabled veteran's for independence and mobility. By using terrain sensing control systems designed for the guidance of autonomous vehicles on the battlefield, researchers at Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of E
Rova: Pedestrian Assistive Technology
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a consumer oriented mobility platform, with the objective of encouraging our aging population and people with mobility challenges to enjoy a social life. The ROVA: Pedestrian Assistive Technology is designed for individuals who are ambulatory but require additional assistance to remain active. ROVA is comprised of the same ultra-durable carbon fiber used in high-performance bicycles. The baskets are roomy enough to accommodate many custom needs, whethe
Rowheel
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype wheelchair design to reduce repetitive-stress injuries of wheelchair users and those with mobility disabilities. The Rowheel is a manual wheelchair wheel designed for use by people with mobility and lower extremity disabilities or spinal cord injury and others who use a manual wheelchair. Rowheels use "planetary gears" configured to allow the wheels to rotate counter to the hand rim. This allows users to pull on the hand rim to go forward.
Rowheel
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a mechanism used to modify wheelchairs so that the chair is propelled by a pulling action of the arms rather than by pushing for individuals with mobility disabilities and spinal cord injuries. The design is based on the premise that allowing the stronger biceps take on more of the work will result in more endurance and greater control. The Rowheel has similar specifications and appearance to existing manual wheelchair wheels, and the Rowheel is design
Rub Feel Know Watch
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a watch that allows users who are blind or have low vision to perceive time by tactilely using shapes and temperature. The Rub Feel Know consists of a watch mounted on an open bangle bracelet. The watch face has differently shaped hour and minute circular markings, each mounted on independently rotating circles with the minute indicator outside of the hour indicator. Additionally, both circles maintain different temperatures to help the
Running Drone
Running Drone is a four rotor helicopter with a camera for the blind that allows the visually impaired to run effectively around a track, allowing them to exercise independently without a sighted guide. This system has two cameras, one downward-facing that follows the lines on a track and a second camera focused on a point on its user's shirt. This system is controlled by four rotors, hence its name. The quadcopter or quadrotor helicopter is a prototype drone system that files at eye level, abou
SafariSeat
Safety Dot
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a set of Braille labels that are mounted on public handrails to allow individuals with visual disabilities to safely and easily navigate stairs. Even with a guide cane in hand it can be difficult to negotiate a flight of stairs solely on instinct. The Safety Dot is a set of metallic Braille labels mounted on a handrail that inform the user of the number of steps remaining on the stairway. TITLE: Handrails That Speak. WEBSITE: Yanko Desig
Samsung's Blind Cap
Samsung’s Blind Cap is a swimming cap specifically designed to alert swimmers who are blind or visually impaired of the approaching pool wall. This wearable navigation aid works in conjunction with the Blind Cap mobile app, which can be downloaded on a Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch or any Android phone (not included), and synchronized to the Blind Cap via Bluetooth. It also requires the assistance of a sighted individual (coach) who can track the swimmer’s progress down the pool lane. If the swimme
Scalevo
Scalevo is an electric stair-climbing wheelchair designed for individuals who use wheelchairs. It moves across flat ground by balancing on its two rear wheels. When the user approaches a set of stairs, two rubber tracks mounted on the bottom of the chair extend down, the chair leans back to keep the user level, and then Scalevo traverses the stairs one step at a time using its retractable rubber tracks. Scalevo has no front wheels, making it a two-wheeler platform. It can also ascend and descend
Scuba Diving System
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an underwater scuba diving system to make scuba diving a safe and tangible reality for individuals who have paraplegia. This system features swim fins worn on the wrist to enhance propulsion by the arms only, and a vest with chest-mounted controls that can be adjusted by the hands to change buoyancy and body trim to attain or maintain a horizontal, vertical, or angular position. There is a place on the back of the vest to mount a scuba t
See
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a wearable device to help individuals who are blind or have low vision to get information on products while shopping. The See is consists of a bracelet and a pair of ear buds. The bracelet contains a camera and software that allows users to scan bar codes by holding a product adjacent to the wrist. The bracelet scans the bar code with the camera, obtains information on the product, and relays that information as audio to the ear buds wi
Self-Navigating Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a self-navigating wheelchair for individuals with disabilities. MIT researchers have been working on a self-navigating wheelchair prototype that can learn the geography around it through simple voice commands, and then travel around using the map created within its computer brain. The self-navigating wheelchair relies on a WiFi system to make its maps and then navigate through them, and requires setting up a network of WiFi nodes around
Selfie Stick Assist
The Selfie Stick Assist is a 3D printable camera and phone mount that attaches to either the user's wrist or forearm. The device is intended for all users but is recommended for those who are in wheelchairs, walkers or have mobility issues and can't reach out to take selfies. The device is attach to the users forearm and wrist in order to extend the stick and take your selfie.The selfie stick can also be adjusted to different angles in order to fit the users needs.
Sens
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype watch in conjunction with Swatch that allows individuals with visual impairments and/or blindness to tell time by touch. Sens is a double-ring ceramic device which tells time by touch. The 12 hour point is marked with Braille so the user can identify which way is up. The uppermost ring has an interior edge that rotates; it allows the user to tell what hour it is simply by the distance of the edge from the 12 hour marker. A second ring of cl
Sensor Headphones
The waterproof Sensor Headphones are designed using ultrasonic technology for swimmers with visual impairments. The headphones alert a swimmer with a visual impairment alerts them when another swimmer is approaching, and uses blue tooth technology to send a beep when they are five meters from the edge of the pool. These features allow the individual to swim independently.
Sensor Knee Bandage
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a sensor-equipped bandage for longitudinal measurement of knee range of motion in individuals with knee injuries and/or disabilities. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA in Stuttgart, Germany, have developed a system for gathering exact data on mobility in patients with knee injuries. They use a bandage that has an integrated bracket with sensors that measure the knee's range of moti
Sensory Eye Fix
Sensory Eye Fix is a safe and stable platform designd for children with communication disabilities to keep their eye gaze Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices at eye level.
Sensory Fiction
Sensory Fiction is designed for use by individuals with sensory processing disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. It is a project from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology which enables authors to provide their readers with physical feedback and sensations while they’re in the process of turning the pages. It combines a vest harness with a smartbook that can send over commands and light up on cue. For example, the Sensory Fiction prototype is
Sensory Vest
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a sensory aid (vest) to provide musical and tactile stimulation for a child with cerebral palsy and blindness. The child is nonverbal and therefore cannot effectively communicate the need for stimulation. The Sensory Vest is a battery-operated sensory stimulating system that can be worn by the user and is self-contained. The user is able to control the various stimuli. The inside and outside layers of the vest are made of a durable lightweight denim. T
Sentino Cooktop
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a cooktop for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Sentino Cook Top is designed to make cooking simpler and safer for individuals with visual disabilities. It features three cooking surfaces with indentations around each surface so that the user can locate them without risking being burned. The Sentino Cook Top's has tactile controls in front of each cooking surface that provide tactile and audio feedback when activated. The
Sentire Walking Cane
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a walking cane for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Sentire walking cane is the result of a study of visually impaired users' preference between various tools for mobility, including the standard cane and the guide dog. The Sentire merges the advantages of each type of mobility tool. Its design features a carbon fiber body for reduced weight and extended life as well as enhanced ergonomics for a truly custom feel. By fin
Sento Cookware
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of tactile cookware for individuals who are blind or have low vision to use in meal preparation. For people who are blind or have low vision, meal preparation and cooking can be daunting and dangerous. Sento cookware provides a variety of utensils with unique tactile qualities for easy identification. This flame-resistant, easy to measure, friendly looking cookware is great for the beginner-cook as well. TITLE: Tactile Cookware for the Blin
Severe Cerebral Palsy Wheelchair
The Severe Cerebral Palsy Wheelchair is designed for Uyen and children with severe physical disabilities to serve as an ergonomic chair that can grow as the child grows. Helps with blood circulation.
Shortcut
Shortcut is a prototype wristband for amputees to use to operate a computer mouse. It swipes, clicks and zooms via a sensor on the wearable technology. Shortcut is designed to make prosthetic hands more facile when working with digital technology, taking simple hand gestures that most amputees can still trigger through a phenomenon called phantom hand and mapping them onto the most basic computer commands–moving the cursor, left and right clicking, and scrolling.
Show & Tell
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a sign language interpreter glove for an Android smartphone for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to communicate with individuals who are not familiar with sign language. Google developers, Saron Paz, Oleg Imanilov, Zvika Markfeld, and Tomer Daniel have developed a prototype glove, Show & Tell, a gesture-sensing glove that instantly translates sign language into text through an Android smartphone. Show & Tell incorporat
Shuval’s Tray
The Shuval’s Tray is a 3D printed add-on wheelchair tray designed for manual wheelchairs users to carry their lunch tray.
Siafu Pc For The Blind
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an computer display and keyboard for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Siafu is a tactile computer display that combines the standard braille display with a new screen that can present text, braille or graphics in three-dimensional relief. The tactile screen's surface utilizes a conceptual material called Magneclay, an oil-based synthetic agent that has the ability to reshape itself into any shape via a controlled electromagn
Side By Side
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Side by Side is an accessory for the wheelchair which allows a friend, relative or caregiver to push the chair while walking beside rather than behind it. Called Side by Side, the prototype device is designed to enable eye contact to encourage conversation. This design keeps the wheelchair from turning on the spot when pushed. The device can also be folded to fit into the rear pocket of the chair.
Side Winder II
The Side Winder II is an adaptive fly fishing rod holder designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities in one arm or hand. Similar to the Side Winder (please see separate entry), the Side Winder II will have a unique spring-loaded tube that allows the user to adjust the fly fishing rod to 1 of 4 fishing positions. It is designed to be worn on the hip of the side of the dominant limb, and intended to catch smaller sized fish (up to 30 pounds). Available for right or left hand use, th
Siemens Smart Hearing Aids
Siemens Smart Hearing Aids are designed for people with permanent hearing loss to allow them to hear without the disturbance of background noises that most other hearing aids pick up. They can be controlled using an iPhone or Android device. They use easyTek and Bluetooth. They pick up less background noise than other hearing aids, and overall outperform them. This feature improves hearing in noisy settings like public restaurants and cocktail parties where normal hearing aids present a challeng
Sighted Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a robotic wheelchair that uses three dimensional (3D) imaging to allow individuals who are blind or have low vision and use a wheelchair to "see" when navigating in the indoor and outdoor environment. Researchers at the Luleå University of Technology (LTU) in Sweden have developed a wheelchair that uses a laser sensor to generate a 3D map of its surroundings, which is then transferred to an on-board haptic robot, allowing the robot to na
Sign Language Glove
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a sign language interpretation glove that allows individuals who are deaf or have hearing disabilities and use sign language to communicate with people who can hear and do not understand sign language. Cornell University engineering students Ranjay Krishna, Seonwoo Lee, and Si Ping Wang with the assistance of Jonathan Lang, created a device to close the gap in communication between hearing people and those with hearing disabilities who u
Sign Voice Language Translator
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype communication device for an individual who is blind or has low vision and an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing to communicate with each other. As one individual cannot see sign gestures and the other cannot hear voices this makes communication between these two disability types very difficult. The Sign Voice Language Translator (SVLT) is a portable device that can translate sign language into speech and speech into displayed text. T
Sign-IO Glove
The Sign-IO glove is a smart glove that converts sign language into audio speech in real-time. Invented by Roy Allela, the Sign-IO is intended to help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing or have a speech impairment who use sign language communicate with those who do not understand sign language. The glove has five flex sensors on each finger that can quantify how much a finger is bent. When the user signs letters wearing the glove, the Sign-IO glove recognizes the signed letters and then
SignLanguageGlove
The SignLanguageGlove, a prototype that is not yet commercially available, is a wireless device that translates sign language gestures into visual letters or speech via a smartphone app or tablet device. The SignLanguageGlove is equipped with an accelerometer and five flex sensors that detect how you bend and twist your fingers while keeping track of how you orientate your hand as you sign. The device is intended to help sign language users communicate with the rest of the world.
Simcheong Braille Printer And Scanner
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a scanner/printer that can scan and print documents in Braille for individuals who have low vision or are blind. The SimCheong Printer and Scanner is the result of a Korean fairy tale about a young girl and her blind father and how her sacrifices during her life result in her father's eyes being opened and his ability to see. This printer/scanner sounds like a fairy tale in of itself. This device is a compact printer and scanner that ca
Single Switch Remote Controlled Camera
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a single switch remotely controlled camera for an individual with cerebral palsy. A young man with cerebral palsy who had no use of his hands wished to independently operate a camera. Mounting the camera to the young man’s wheelchair was straightforward. The remote control cable for his camera required two switch actions, one to focus the camera and the other to simultaneously trigger the shutter. The young man currently used a switch ar
Sit Ski
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a sit ski for a new member of the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team to be used in international competition at the Paralympics. This sit ski consists of light, form-fitted frames and a seat mounted to a pair of standard cross country skis. It allow athletes with lower extremity and mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury to sit while skiing to use poles to propel themselves with their upper body when necessary. Each individual has unique requir
Skycare Chair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a wheelchair-like mobility tool to be used inside an airplane cabin by individuals with mobility disabilities and/or wheelchair users. Traveling as a wheelchair user and navigating around and onboard an aircraft can be quite a challenge and usually requires assistance from one or more of the flight crew. The Skycare Chair attempts to increase the independence of individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities or spinal cord inj
Slip Grips
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a gripping device (Slip Grip) to assist individuals with limited hand mobility to manipulate objects that they would otherwise be unable to use. The product is used by slipping the finger holds over the thumb and forefinger and then snapping objects in to place via the clips located in between these finger holds. At a slight angle, the clip directs objects placed in it downward, giving the user a natural range of motion. When wearing a S
Sluice Pouring Aid
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Sluice prototype allows individuals suffering from arthritis or having limited upper body strength to easily dispense beverages without supporting the full weight of the liquids in their containers. Designed to accommodate a variety of standard containers from cartons to 2 liters to gallons jugs, Sluice was developed through extensive prototyping and user testing.
Smart Ass
Team Smart Ass is designed for use by individuals who are at risk or have pressure sores. Smart Ass is a pressure sensing mat to fit under the seat of a wheelchair. Each prong of the 3D printed X sits atop a pressure sensor, while running through an Arduino. It connects to an app, which shows the pressure in darkening shades of red, indicating both where pressure points may occur, but also encouraging the user to move when one sector has seen pressure for too long. Future iterations could inclu
Smart Baby Buggy
The Smart Baby Buggy is a sensored baby stroller specifically designed for parents who are blind or visually impaired. Ramona Williams, a woman who is visually impaired, and a team of students from the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London, came together to create a stroller that can sense its surroundings and send the user audible and haptic feedback through its handlebar and the accompanying mobile app.
Smart Belt
The Smart Belt is a seizure monitoring belt prototype for children with epilepsy to measure epileptic activity. The belt is wrapped around the user's chest and secured with two snaps. An electronic module is connected to the belt. The resistor fabric expands and contracts along with respiration. The belt is linked to a smartphone or external computer and measures respiration rate and Electrodermal activity. It is also linked to skin conductance and detects respiratory failure, sleep apnea, and a
Smart Belt
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of seizure monitoring and response transducer for individuals with seizure disorders to alert their assigned caretaker for assistance. As part of their senior design project, Rice University students Ethan Leng, Mihir Mongia, Charles Park, and Tiffany Varughese created the Seizure Monitoring and Response Transducer (SMART) Belt to combat the complications of seizures by alerting caregivers to seizure activity. The students worked with Andr
Smart Cane
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a “Smart Cane” that can read and interpret electronic navigation tags installed between buildings to aid a person who is blind or with low-vision navigate toward his or her destination with greater ease. Designed by an engineering professor and five students at Central Michigan University, The Smart Cane uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) technology similar to what retailers use to protect products from theft. The Smart Cane conta
Smart Glove
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an electronic glove which monitors post stroke patient progress while they play video games. Students at McGill University in Quebec, Canada have developed an electronic glove that can monitor how well people recovering from a stroke are playing video games. Sensors throughout the glove provide detailed information about hand motion, and the system can send the data to a physician or rehabilitation specialist. The glove can track the mov
Smart Shower
The Smart Shower is designed to enable individuals to shower independently with the use of only one hand. The device ensures safety, remaining stable in a fixed position with the help of an antilock system.
Smart Walker
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a walker braking system that can prevent slips, slides, and falls for the elderly, individuals with mobility, balance disabilities, and/or grasping disabilities. A team of graduate students from the Department of Biomedical Engineering and undergraduate seniors from several departments in the College of Engineering have worked with David Lipson, Cornell professor of engineering, as well as with Dr. Eli Einbinder to design an electronic b
Smart-Scooter
The Smart-Scooter is a self-driving scooter designed to help the disabled live independent lives. The self-driving technology has been integrated into a mobility scooter, allowing users to scoot around without constantly operating the controls. The smart scooter manages the navigation and obstacle avoidance all on its own, even indoors, as recently conducted tests have shown. This can be a serious benefit for users wishing to live independent lives, as the technology takes over nearly the entire
Smartbe Intelligent Stroller
Smartbe is an intelligent self-driving stroller. This equipment can be controlled through the user’s Android or IOS smartphone or smartwatch, so it may be beneficial to parents who are blind or visually impaired. Smartbe has a motion tracking sensor system that will monitor the user’s movements and move when he or she moves and stop when he stops. It also has sensors that can detect and maneuver around obstacles in the user’s path. Smartbe has battery-powered electric engines that propel it forw
SmartVision Navigation Prototype for Blind Users
The goal of the SmartVision Navigation Prototype for Blind Users is to develop a small, portable, and cheap yet intelligent and reliable system for assisting the blind and visually impaired while navigating autonomously, both in- and outdoor. The prototype addresses global navigation for going to some destiny, by following known landmarks stored in the GIS in combination with path optimisation, and local navigation with path and obstacle detection just beyond the reach of the white cane. The sys
Snail Braille Reader
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a Braille reader for individuals how are blind or have low vision. The Snail is a voice output braille reader that is designed to work even on bumpy surfaces. The device can read braille text for immediate playback, or record it for future playback. It can also send its voice output to a Bluetooth headset so that the user can listen to the book without disturbing others. Snail's pressure-sensitive touch pad can be rolled on uneven brail
Sniff Controller
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a sniff controller for individuals with paralytis and disabilities ranging from quadriplegia to “locked-in-syndrome.” Individuals who are paralyzed from the neck down may be able to guide their movements by sniffing into tubes. The nerve regions that receives signals from the roof the mouth/soft palate that control the ability to sniff are often unaffected by paralytic injuries and disorders. The scientists at the Weizmann Institute of S
Social Robot with Emotion and Memory
Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire have developed a prototype of a social robot that can support independent living for the elderly, while working in partnership with their relatives or caregivers. The robot uses a state of the art service platform called Care-O-bot® 3 and works within a smart-home environment. A team of nine partner institutions from across five European countries are part of a project called Acceptable RobotiCs COMPanions for AgeiNg Years (ACCOMPANY). Over the past
Sock Helper Mobility Aid
The Sock Helper Mobility Aid is a prototype designed for individuals with arthritis or lower extremity or mobility disabilities. The design incorporates a non-printed pole to lift and drop the 'Sock Helper'. This pole should be cut to around 60 centimeters and can be made from a 20 millimeter (3/4 inch) PVC tube or a similar sized dowel or broom stick. The pole then inserts into the base where there is a hole to secure it with a screw. There are two tabs on the end of the channel that are used t
Soft Pet
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a mobile phone with call-and-respond naming capacity for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Dubbed the Soft Pet by its designers, this mobile phone responds to its assigned name when called much like a pet does. In addition to the call-and-respond naming capability, the Soft Pet offers speech input and output functionality and Braille buttons. The user gives the Soft Pet mobile phone a name much like they would a pet. When the
Solar Powered Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a solar powered wheelchair with retractable panels for individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities, spinal cord injury, or cerebral palsy. A team of students and faculty from the University of Virginia School of Engineering created a prototype design of a solar powered wheelchair with retractable panels inspired by the idea from a man with cerebral palsy from Turkey. The Solar Powered Team (SPT) created the prototype using
Solo Wheelchair
The Solo Wheelchair is a wheelchair prototype that combines the advantages of manual and electrical wheelchairs. With an electrical assist system, Solo increases the range and mobility of a manual wheelchair while providing premium ergonomics and compact foldability. Heavily focused on aesthetics, Solo avoids the medical the user and the gives a feel often associated with electrical wheelchairs. When pushing uphill, Solo assists also assists the user and reduces the resistance. If the user stops
Sonar Vision
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype device based on sonar that allows individuals who are congenitally blind to sense their surroundings. Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a device, "Sonar Vision," which transforms images into sound, enabling an individual who is blind to perceive visual information audibly. Results of a conducted study using the technology were published in "Neuron." This sonar system can transform images into sounds by using
Sony Subtitle Glasses
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of glasses that provide closed captioning and/or subtitles for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. For individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, going to see a movie at the cinema can be difficult if the film is not already captioned. Sony UK has developed a pair of glasses that display subtitles in time with a given film. The device projects the subtitles onto the lens of the glasses giving the appearance that the subtitles are s
Sospendo
The Sospendo is designed as a hands free solution for mobile devices giving users with limited upper body mobility (due to disability or disease) access to their touch screen devices. The Sospendo is a new adjustable device holder that works by bending the aluminum frame so it cradles the users neck (or it could be used as a stand) and slide your mobile device in and hang it around your head. Thus, allowing hte user to read and operate their portable device with multiple benefits.
Soundsgood
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a hearing aid for woman designed to look like a fashionable earring. SoundsGood is a hearing aid disguised as an earring that also provides graphic feedback the person speaking to the user on the pitch of his or her voice. Depending on the pitch of the speaker. the earring displays graphic sound waves in colored signals. Different colors indicate if the person speaking is too loud, soft or appropriately for the user. TITLE: Sounds Good t
Sounzzz
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a visual, audio, and tactile MP3 player for individuals who are hearing impaired and/or deaf. It is a common misconception that individuals with hearing impairment and/or deafness cannot experience the joy of music. However, studies have shown that the sense of touch is heightened, allowing these individuals to perceive music in a totally different way. SOUNZZZ is a visual, audio, tactile MP3 player designed for the hearing impaired but
Special Teatime
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of Braille embossed thermos to aid individuals who are blind or have low vision to brew a cup of tea. Special Teatime includes a timer integrated into the thermos screw top, an infuser, and a water-level indicator with Braille labeling. The user fills the thermos with water, checking the level of the rising water with the water-level indicator. The user then places the tea leaves or tea bag into the infuser, and places it at the mouth of t
Spectra - Speech-to-speech translation
The Spectra is an iPhone application for interactive speech-to-speech translation. The app is a prototype and is intended to help users with speech-to-speech translation is a complex task that involves automatically recognizing the input speech, translating the recognized speech, and, finally synthesizing the translated text in the target language. The Spectra comprises of an HMM-based large vocabulary continuous speech recognition (AT&T Watson Speech Recognizer), a phrase-based translation
Speech Translator
Speedy Recovery Vehicle
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design and assemble a wheelchair that is fun and visually appealing to children with disabilities. The Speedy Recovery Vehicle combines the functionality of traditional wheelchairs with the visually appealing design of racing dune buggies. The vehicle includes a custom-welded frame, smooth rolling wheels, a reclining seat, footrests, armrests, safety belt, an IV pole, storage area for an oxygen tank, and a colorful interactive steering wheel. Its small size m
Sphere Chair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a powered wheelchair that allows users with mobility disabilities to move, crouch, stand, or lay down all while seated and without leaving the chair. The Sphere Chair is a powered wheelchair that looks like a chair sitting on top of a ball (i.e. sphere) with two casters extending from the rear of the frame. The Sphere’s unique design allows for greater freedom of motion. Secured in the ergonomic seat, the user can switch between positi
Spinal Neurostimulator
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a neurostimulation device to restore motor function in individuals with spinal cord injury—specifically individuals with paraplegia. Funded through the National Institutes of Health and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation researchers succeeded in restoring considerable movement to a paraplegic man’s paralyzed legs using a Medtronic stimulator. The Medtronic stimulator provides continual direct “epidural electrical stimulation” of t
Spinovo
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a product that treats chronic back pain for individuals with arthritis and other conditions causing chronic back pain. Spinovo (spine + new) is a concept smart clothing product that uses modular packs to treat back pain through heating, cooling, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapies, as well as incorporating bend sensors to ensure the wearer maintains the correct posture. The designer, Justine Smith, studied at
Split Keyboard
The Split Keyboard is a do it yourself 3D printable keyboard designed for use by individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive motion injuries or other disabilities of the hand or wrist or with limited range of motion. This keyboard comes in two sections and comes with a right- or left-mounted pad. The full keyboard has 70 keys, and can be filled with 1u keys from a 104 key set caps.
Spoonful
Spoonful is a prototype of an aid for children with cerebral palsy or any other moving disabilities. It is an automated spoon that picks up the food from the table and feeds the person.
Sports Walker
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a hands-free wheeled support device for individuals with mobility and neurological disabilities. Brian Light, an avid volleyball player and an individual with multiple sclerosis, designed the Sports Walker to extend the amount of time he was able to continue playing in standing position. The Sport Walker is a hands-free wheeled support device that began as a crude DIY device built from PVC pipe, metal rods, foam padding cut from yoga mats,
Squease Jacket
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype pressure jacket therapeutic device for use by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The SQUEASE jacket offers a haven for individuals with ASD providing a cocoon of comfort with fashion. This fashionable and with-it, the jacket allows the wearer to apply deep pressure to their body, so that they can calm themselves and get over the sudden rush of anxiety. A pair of integrated headphones reduces the sound level of high frequency n
Squizits
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an adaptive device which allows children and adults with OCD, ADHD, and/or Autism Spectrum disorders a way to release excess energy through repetitive hand motions and various other fidgets. Fidgeting and the need for repetitive moment can be disruptive in the academic and work environment for children and adults. The Squizits kit was developed in collaboration with a child with OCD and ADHD. It provides the user with a way to release ex
Stair Trainer For Children With Cerebral Palsy
The Stair Trainer device promotes gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP), ages two to five years old. The Stair Trainer allows for easy adult supervision, and be easily disassembled and stored when needed. The railings have an appropriate height of 24” for toddlers and were designed to be 24” apart to disallow holding of both railings during climbing. A height of three feet was designated for the platform with a minimum of 24” of railings, as dictated by safety standards. Addi
Stand-Helping Closetool Toilet Seat
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a toilet seat that assists individuals with arthritis or balance, lower extremity or mobility disabilities to stand from a seated position after using the toilet. The Stand-helping Closestool Toilet Seat is a toilet seat with a hydraulic-powered lever function, which helps individuals to stand up with ease from a seated position on the toilet. The device could be used with a walker, cane, other mobility devices, or a hand rail. TITLE: St
Standing Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a standing wheelchair for individuals with mobility disabilities and other individuals who use wheelchairers. Similar to the Segway, the Standing Wheelchair is a two-wheeled cruiser designed to provide with a way to travel while standing. The wheels underneath the Standing Wheelchair perform the same function as those of a regular wheelchair; however, the person is actually standing rather than sitting. The user's legs are held in place
Steady Stepper
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a safe and effective weight-bearing home workout machine for an individual with cerebral palsy. The Steady Stepper utilizes a commercial portable stair-stepper attached to a custom railing system to aid in transitioning from a wheelchair to the stair-stepper, and to provide stability while stepping. Interchangeable wooden pegs mounted to the bottom of each step allow for a varying range of motion. Weight distribution over each step, and variable foot p
Stephanie Reid Prosthetic
The Stephanie Reid prototype is a prosthetic leg for use by individuals with lower extremity disabilities and leg amputees. The device includes the foot, ankle, and lower calf, uses robotics to replicate the calf muscles. This prosthesis is made of chrome lacquer, mirror and clear perspex shards.
Stereo Leg
The Stereo Leg is a prosthetic leg for individuals with lower extremity disabilities and leg amputees. This prosthesis is a prototype, which includes the foot, ankle, and lower calf uses robotics to replicate the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. The prosthetic leg is made of cast resin, silicone, beads, rhinestones, chains studs, and speakers.
StorEbook
StorEbook is an application designed for children who can not read but want to read or for parents who want their child to hear a bedtime story but do not have time to read to them. This application is designed so that when Mama is talking it plays a mother's voice and when Papa is talking it plays in a father's voice.
Strap-On Blood Pressure Monitor
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a blood pressure monitor for individuals who are blind or have low vision to check their blood pressure independently. The strap-on blood pressure monitor has an integrated measurement system that accurately measures the wearer's blood pressure and pulse rate and displays the readings in Braille. The monitor is made of soft and comfortable materials and it can easily be strapped around the user's wrist and forearm. TITLE: Easy To Use Str
Street Sight
Street Sight is a mobile application and GoPro interface designed for those individuals with visual impairments to use. It was designed for Darcy, a woman with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis who is blind in one eye and visually impaired in the other. The application uses her GPS location that lets Darcy know what street, intersection or address she is approaching. The GoPro interface that takes photos to her phone every 2-3 seconds so she can discretely zoom in on street signs, car plates, bus sc
Stress Less Drink Holder - 10 Pack
The Stress Less Drink Holder - 10 Pack is a set of drink holders designed for people who are blind or have low vision. It can be used in the home or office. This cup holder was created by a legally blind inventor to help himself and others prevent spilling beverages, and to live life more independently and with less frustrations.
Stride Management Assist
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a simple, lightweight device to assist individuals with mobility disabilities due to weakened muscles. Honda has created the Stride Management Assist device, a simple-looking, lightweight device designed to assist individuals with weakened leg muscles (due to age or other causes) with walking. The exoskeletal orthotic device fits around the wearer’s waist and has two metal braces that cradle the wearer’s legs. It consists of a control co
Strider
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a mechanical stander and adjustable walker for a young child with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is a neuromuscular disease which results in weakness and limited mobility in the limbs, particularly the legs. Because of this weakness, the child was forced to spend most of his time in a sitting or lying position. The STRIDER project resulted in an adjustable device that supported the child in a standing position and allowed him to walk
Strom Bouqetin Quadricycle
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype a quadricycle to be used for trail riding and touring by individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury. The StroM Bouqetin is designed and optimized for serious trail riding and touring. This four-wheeled, hand-propelled, single-rider cycle has rear-wheel drive, full independent suspension, dual shock rifles, a variable ball-gear drive, four disc brakes, and a lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber body. TIT
Stryder
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a one-legged crutch that also transforms into a knee-standing scooter for individuals with limb amputation and/or limited mobility due to injury and/or disability. The Stryder transforms from a one-legged crutch to a knee-standing scooter designed for individuals with non-weight bearing lower leg injuries. This device allows individuals to get around quickly by scooting around with less strain and fatigue on the body than the usual one-c
Study Nook
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a learning aid to inhibit distractions in the classroom for students with learning or developmental disabilities, including attention deficit disorder, autism and Down syndrome. Aaron Kowald, a University of Canberra student in Australia, created a solution entitled the Study Nook, a miniature desktop divider that stands on a desk and provides privacy on three sides - the front, right and left. The Study Nook is a portable workstation, w
Superfourin Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a “smart” all-terrain wheelchair for individuals with mobility disabilities and/or wheelchair users. This prototype combines the features of a powered wheelchair, dune buggy, and an ATV to create a new GPS-enabled wheelchair with fat tires and four-wheel drive that allows individuals with lower extremity and mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury to navigate almost any terrain. Developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Information a
Supersonic Stick On The Wrist For Blind People
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a small, supersonic wrist device that functions similar to a white cane for individuals who are blind or with low-vision. The Supersonic Stick on the Wrist for Blind People uses sonar to become aware of oncoming danger or obstacles and alerts the user to these obstacles through sounds and vibrations. The device is a comprised of a wrist piece that slips over the wrist with the supersonic stick fitting into the palm of the hand and facin
Supportive Playground Vehicle
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype supportive playground vehicle for a child with congenital myopathy who cannot hold her head and trunk upright without assistance and has little strength in her extremities. Designers developed a four-wheeled vehicle with pedals to drive the rear wheels and a handlebar to steer the front wheels. The vehicle also has a rear handlebar to allow a caregiver or assistant to push the child forward. The seat and seat pads are tailored to support th
SurTube™
PROTOTYPE-----SurTube™ is a nonradiographic system of differentiating the respiratory, gastric, small bowel, or esophageal location of a feeding tube when placed in a patient. Using an optical method, the SurTube™ system allows the feeding tube to be located during placement and maintenance checks to ensure correct placement or information to manipulate an incorrect placement without exposing the patient to repeated harmful x-rays and decreasing the number of feeding tube adverse events due to m
Swing Capsule
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a kitchen knife for use by individuals with grasping, fine motor or upper extremity disabilities or arthritis. The designer believes that traditional knives are not suitable for the elderly because the center of mass is located in the rear when people push down. The solution is the Swing Capsule kitchen knife. The handle can be rotated up and over the blade to create a more centered balanced while keeping the users fingers safely away fr
Swinging Backpack
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: A group of seven students from a Wethersfield, CT high school developed the Easy Access Transport System (EATS). The device is designed to solve a problem that a student with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease had accessing his books in his backpack on the back of his wheelchair. Over two months, the EATS was designed to allow the student with CMT to swing his backpack on hinges and bring it around to his lap so he could access his books. The students started wit
Synergistic Physio-Neuro Platform (Synphne)
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype stroke rehabilitation system to guide individuals who have experienced a stroke through the rehabilitation process. Developed by Dr. John Heng and his PhD student Banerji Subhasis, at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, the new system known as the Synergistic Physio-Neuro Platform (SynPhNe) guides people who have experienced a stroke or brain injury through exercises, monitors their performance, and determine why they are unable to
Tacit
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a haptic device to assist individuals who are blind or low vision to determine the proximity of objects in complex environments. Created by Steve Hoefer, Tacit is a wrist-mounted device that uses ultrasonic sensors positioned at the front of the device to measure distances from one inch to 10 feet and provide tactile feedback through motorized rubber pads at the rear of the device, which apply increasing amounts of pressure on the wrists
Tactile Portable Translator
The Tactile Portable Translator is a portable device prototype created at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by Team Tactile to help blind people convert text to braille in real time. It is the size of a candy bar and completely portable.
Talk
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a mobile communications concept for individuals with disabilities and the elderly that allows users to have access to 24 hour support at the push of a button. Talk is a mobile communication device worn as a pendant around the neck. It can be customized to call up to three designated numbers. To call one of the designated numbers, the user rotates the faceplate of the device into the position of the person they want to contact and pushes
Talking Tactile Globe
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Talking Tactile Globe (TTG ) prototype, is an 8” diameter audio-tactile interactive map of the world. Users will experience this globe by looking, listening and touching. The colorful plastic sphere includes tactile markings to indicate landmasses, cities, rivers, mountain ranges, and bodies of water, so that visually impaired readers can perceive the world in its actual form. Double-tapping any location with a finger will cause that place’s name to be spoken al
Talkitt
Talkitt is a voice to voice app prototype which aims to enable people with motor, speech, and language (i.e. cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?, autism, brain trauma) to overcome communication barriers, and to communicate spontaneously and naturally using their own voices. Talkitt works by interpreting an individual's pronunciation of words into understandable speech.
Tamar’s Ponytail Holder
Tamar's Ponytail Holder is a one-handed ponytail holder designed for a user to put her hair up in a ponytail easily with one hand.
Tandem Electric Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a simple, fun, and sporty aesthetic electric vehicle for individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities, people with spinal cord injury and others who use a wheelchair. After spending an extended period of time in a wheelchair to better understand the challenges of wheelchair users and individuals with disabilities, designer Alexandre Pain, proposed that it was the stigma associated with the wheelchair that appeared to be one
Tattoo Foot Brace
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a stylish foot brace for individuals who have poliomyelitis or have an injured his or her ankle. The strap on the "Tattooed Foot" brace is styled very much like gladiator sandals. The aim is to "inject the realm of orthotic devices with a dose of style," especially for those who wound their ankles or who have poliomyelitis. The brace has decorative lacquered metal plates that bring the brace rigidity and strength. The patterns were inspi
Teeth-Controlled Wireless MP3 Player
This device, which is comprised of a set of earphones called Split, is a completely wire-free music player that users, including those with fine motor disabilities or upper extremity disabilities, can control by clicking their teeth. The two ear buds, which are essentially two MP3 players, are not connected by a cord, but synchronized by radio waves to play music at the same time. The user splits the magnetic earphones apart to turn them on. One bite will activate the device’s built-in accelerom
Tek Robotic Mobilisation Device
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a standing wheelchair that allows users with lower extremity or mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury to navigate through various environments not designed for use by people who use wheelchairs. The Tek Robotic Mobilisation Device is a powered stand up wheelchair developed by a team of Turkish scientists, led by Necati Hacikadiroglu. The device expands the way wheelchair users can interact with their environment. Wheelchairs genera
Tend Comfort Headphones
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of sensory processing headphones for children with autism, Asperger’s, and other sensory processing disorders (SPD). Individuals suffering from SPD can find it difficult to transition between environments such as going between a quite car ride and a noisy restaurant. The Tend project provides a solution that maintains the volume between environments thus making transitioning between easier. The device is styled like modern headphones and ha
Tennis Wheelchair
Tennis Wheelchair is a custom adaptation to a wheelchair customized for Noam to play tennis with better balance. Tikkun Olam Makers' Team Noam successfully built a solution to customize Noam’s wheelchair to better balance it for tennis play. It was accomplished by designing a removable counterweight that attaches to the chair when needed. The design mimics the weight distribution of a leg and attaches to the chair adjacent to Noam’s left leg. The solution was built by a 3D scan of Noam’s sitting
Tensio Blood Pressure Bracelet
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a blood pressure bracelet for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Tensio is an electronic blood pressure reading bracelet designed to keep tabs on your vital signs without appearing to be a medic-alert device. The bracelet's inner portion is cushioned with foam that inflates to take the blood pressure reading. It has a plastic outer shell. Blood pressure and pulse readings appear on a display on the outer ring that provide visu
Tetraplegic Wheelchair
The Tetraplegics Wheelchair is a wheelchair that aims to provide low-cost and self-reliant locomotory assistance for people with movement disabilities. The wheelchair detects muscle movements through biosensors and the signals instruct it to move in a particular direction. Muscle movements generate muscle potential, which is detected by bio-compatible surface sensors. These signals are then sent to the microcontroller, which instructs the wheelchair to move.
The "+me" project Prototypes
The “+me” project is designed to serve as an interactive pillow device providing sensorial feedback during therapies for children with autism. The aim of the “me+” project is to provide soft interactive wearables to facilitate social interaction and support the development of social skills of children with autism by leveraging highly motivating sensorial feedback. The prototype of “+me” changes luminosity when squeezed. The wearer can touch it to feel their heartbeat, and can hear their heartbea
The Accessi Book
The Accessi Book is a robot-like invention that was developed for use by people with upper extremity disabilities that turns pages of a book. The Accessi Book allows people with ALS, ataxia, and other upper extremity disabilities to read with ease.
The Aid
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype a walking aid that provides physical support, navigation, and serves as a health monitoring device for individuals who are elderly or individuals with disabilities. Created by Egle Ugintaite from Lithuania, “the aid,” is a cane that provides mobile navigation and health management services. In addition to ambulation support, this high-tech cane also monitors the user’s pulse, blood pressure, and temperature through sensors located in the wr
The Mountain Trike
The Mountain Trike is an all-terrain manual wheelchair designed for use by individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury. The Mountain Trike has been designed using a blend of unique innovation control and drive system with high specification mountain bike technology. Features include:
The One-Hand Kitchen Equipment
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a one-hand kitchen equipment device for individuals who have use of only one hand. The One-Hand Kitchen Equipment is designed for both right and left handed people to use and includes seven products uses in all. This is specialized kitchen equipment includes one-handed food cutting equipment, one-handed different diameter tubes opener, one-handed fruits and vegetables cutting and peeling equipment, one-hand changeable graters, food box,
The Sixth Digit
The Sixth Digit is a stylus ring designed to help individuals with hand impairments, such as quadriplegia, perform daily tasks (e.g., use a keyboard, a touchscreen device with small buttons, a microwave and stove). The Sixth Digit is unique in that it gives the user freedom to perform other tasks while wearing it - users can even push their manual wheelchair with it on. The Sixth Digit is in the initial stage of the production process and can be pre-ordered at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projec
Thimble
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype Bluetooth-enabled device finger-glove that connects to a smart phone, specifically the Apple iPhone, and works as a Braille display for individuals who are blind or or have low vision. By pulsing Braille shapes onto the fingertip via an “electro-tactile grid array,” the text on the iPhone's screen can be conveyed to the blind user. The Thimble also includes a camera allowing it to scan text from other sources (such as books or labels) and t
Thought Controlled Wheelchair-Mounted Robotic Arm
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Scientists at the University of South Florida have created a prototype of a wheelchair-mounted robotic arm controlled by thought to be used by individuals with ALS or full body paralysis. This device will allow those with severely limited mobility to perform simple daily activities for him- herself. EEG scans have allowed patients with ALS to communicate through monitored electronic brain impulses (P300 brain waves). Using these EEG-related technologies with the
Tibion Bionic Leg
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a powered knee orthosis for individuals with neuromuscular disabilities, arthritis, or people recovering from surgery or stroke. The device is indicated in the United States for use by rehabilitation centers as a training aid in helping recover a proper walking gait. Software that controls the knee has been rewritten specifically to work for stroke rehab. The system is currently undergoing a 24-patient trial at New York Presbyterian Hosp
Tidis-B: Wheelchair-To-Bed Transfer System
Tidis-B (Transport of Individuals with Disabilities into Bed) is an assistive device designed to move a person from a wheelchair to a conventional bed, as well as from a conventional bed to a wheelchair. The device is intended for use in homes and is able to transport a person who weights up to 300 lbs. In addition, the device requires minimal physical assistance by caretakers, which can help prevent back injuries. The device is designed so that the person being transported is comfortable and sa
Time Management Device For Children With Down Syndrome
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a time management device for children with Down syndrome. The Ohio State University Time Team (TT), in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO), partnered to design a time management device for children with Down syndrome. The device is intended to increase the self-sufficiency of children by enabling them to manage their time independently. It provides a tool to aid children to learn the concepts of time,
Time Timer Watch Plus
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a watch that incorporates multiple cues to communicate time to individuals who are blind or deaf, or people with cognitive disabilities or other conditions that affect the ability to track time. The Time Timer Watch PLUS incorporates visual, audible and tactile alerts to broaden the reach of its users to include those with special needs or anyone who simply has trouble keeping track of time. Time is depicted on the face of the watch as a
Titan Arm Exoskeleton
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a self-powered exoskeleton arm orthosis for individuals with upper extremity and neurological disabilities. The Titan Arm is an untethered, self-powered exoskeleton arm that can be constructed for less than $2,000. To wield this device, users attach the cable-driven mechanical appendage to one arm of the user with straps from a military-grade hiking backpack. It is controlled with a thumbstick on a nunchuck-like controller. If a load nee
Toe Mouse
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype toe-operated computer mouse for individuals with upper limb disabilities. The Toe Mouse is especially designed for those who have upper limbs disability and cannot use their hands to move the mouse. This ergonomically designed gadget uses the natural ability to grip between the toes, for manipulating the Toe Mouse. The user slips it on, between the big toe and second, just as one would wear flip flops. The sensor below the big toe acts as t
Toilet Seat Assistance
Toilet Seat Assistance is a foldable, lightweight portable toilet seat that can be taken anywhere designed for children with disabilities to have them use the bathroom independently.
Tongue Drive System
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Engineers at Georgia's Institute of Technology have developed a prototype that allows individuals with severe disabilities to operate a wheelchair or computer by moving their tongue. The prototype requires the user to have a small magnet the size of a grain of rice be pierced into his or her tongue. A companion device embedded with magnetic sensors, such as an orthodontic brace or headset, can then trace the movement of the tongue and transmit those signals wire
Tongue Drive System
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a powered wheelchair contol system operated by a tongue switch in dental retainer for individuals with upper and lower extremity, mobility or neurological disabilities or quadriplegia to navigate a powered wheelchair. The newest version of the Tongue Drive System uses a dental retainer with sensors to help control the system. The embedded sensors within the retainer track the movements of a small magnet attached to the tongue. The wirele
Tongue-Operated Wheelchair
This Tongue-Operated Wheelchair is an electronic wheelchair that users can operate with their tongue using a silicone sheet attached to the chin designed for people with severe physical disabilities or those with spinal cord injuries to allow them to be independently mobile. The wheelchair utilizes faint electric signals generated by moving suprahyoid muscles, which are activated in opening the mouth and swallowing food. The user attaches to his or her jaw a silicone sheet with multiple electrod
Topless Shoes
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype topless shoes that require little to no effort to put on (no bending, tying) for individuals with back problems, arthritis, seniors, and other individuals with a disability that may prevent them from bending. Winner of the 2011 Red Dot Concept Design, Topless Shoes have no upper constrictions or bindings. The shoes consist of an elastic layer called the “muscle” which encloses the foot in a comfortable but firm grip. TITLE: Funky Shoe Style
Touch It Watch
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype a tactile watch for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Touch It watch makes it possible to feel rather than view time on its face. Hours and minutes are represented by raised bumps that rotate underneath a flexible surface, providing a tactile method to read the time. TITLE: Tactile Time. WEBSITE: Yanko Design. REF: http://www.yankodesign.com/2013/05/23/tactile-time.
Transferring Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a biomedical device to assist with the transfer of an individual with mobility disabilities from a wheelchair to a stationary object such as a bed. The prototype is based on a basic wheelchair design; and includes features that will aid with the transfer process. These features include: 1) reclining seatback of chair; 2) extra supports for stability in the reclined position; and 3) sliding seat and seatback to facilitate moving from chair to object. T
Travel Commode
Tray For Powered Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a tray for a powered wheelchair for individuals with a C6 spinal cord injury (SCI) for use with power wheelchairs. The requirements for the tray are defined to meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and through interviews with power wheelchair users. Power wheelchair users with this tray will have the ability to deploy a tray when needed; however, when not in use, the tray can be stored on the wheelchair. The final tray design is
Tricycle-Based Hand-Powered Wheelchair
A tricycle-based wheelchair is designed to enable the user to exert less energy than required by a standard wheelchair while ensuring safety and comfort. The Tricycle-Based Hand-Powered Wheelchair allows persons with physical disabilities to exert less energy during travel, enjoy outdoor activities, and exercise upper body muscles. Since the wheelchair is a hand-powered tricycle, the user must have sufficient upper body strength to power it. The Tricycle-Based Hand-Powered Wheelchair can be us
Tube Opener
Tube Opener is a special paint tube opener and closer designed for individuals with poor fine motor skills to open and seal their paint so it will not dry out.
Ultra Latch
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a door handle that pushes or pulls to open an interior door making it possible for individuals with disabilities, small children, or anyone unable to use either or both hands to enter and exit through the doorway. The UltraLatch doesn’t twist or turn like traditional door handles. The user unlatches the door by pushing or pulling UltraLatch approximately .5 inches. Inspired by the auto gear shifter, the UltraLatch is designed to conform to the shape of
Ultra Long Distance Wheelchair by Andrew Mitchell
Ultra Long Distance Wheelchair by designer Andrew Mitchell is a wheelchair design concept that was envisioned for ultra long distance use. The positioning of the rider is meant to ensure maximum efficiency. By keeping the shoulders over the front edge of the driving wheels, the whole body position can be engaged by the rider to provide maximum power. The body and legs are in a more open position, giving good breathing potential, and placing less strain on the lower limbs.
Ultrasonic Goggles
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of goggles that assist individuals who have low vision to navigate. Researchers at the Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, Spain have developed a pair of ultrasonic goggles that are intended to make it safer and easier for people who have low vision to get around. Individuals with partial sight experience "Terminator-style vision" through the use of two cameras mounted onto a virtual reality headset that is then connected to a small computer.
Under Water Wheelchair
The Under Water Wheelchair prototype was designed to be a wheelchair that can be used underwater for scuba diving. The Under Water Wheelchair is designed for individuals with limited or no use of lower extremities. This prototype is being developed by Igor Skikevich.
UNI
UNI is a two-way communication tool for the deaf using gesture and speech technology to facilitate two way communication. Technology detects hand and finger gestures with its specialized camera algorithm and converts the hand and finger gestures to text in very short time to provide meaning of a given sign language.
Unimo Electric Treaded Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an electric wheelchair for hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Nano-Optonics Energy, a Japanese firm has unveiled "Unimo" a single-seat electric vehicle (EV) for hospitals and rehabilitation centers that features a comfortable chair with tank-like rubber treads. While not designed specifically for off-road travel, the treads on the Unimo wheelchair allow it to turn in place making it easier to navigate around hospital corners and in an
Universal Bottle Opener (UBO)
The Universal Bottle Opener (UBO) is a DIY printable device intended for users with any muscle deterioration symptoms to help them open large juice bottles, sports drink bottles, soda bottles, canned drinks, or other tops.
Universal Lock
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of universal lock that allows children with disabilities to operate a school locker. In middle and high school, almost every student secures their locker with a dial combination lock. Individuals with cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury may be unable to use these types of locks due to a lack of motor or cognitive skills necessary to open a standard lock. A universal lock prototype was created and tested on children with special needs. The
Up Mouse
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype alternative to the traditional computer mouse for individuals who have repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other neuromuscular disabilities in the hand. The designer and creator Daniel Benamy has repetitive strain injury that was brought on by using a traditional mouse over an extended period of time. Benamy created the Up Mouse as a prototype alternative to the traditional push down computer mouse. This wired mouse is shaped
Upper Body Workout Device
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an upper body workout device for an individual with cerebral palsy to help his upper body to gain strength and improve his range of motion. The Upper Body Workout Device consists of a steel frame with a cable and pulley system on each side, allowing him to exercise each arm individually. Forearm sleeves attach in three different positions to allow workouts targeting the biceps, triceps and deltoid muscles. Resistance is varied using free
Urban Chamy Stroller
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Urban Chamy combines transporting children and a helpful station for the babies at home. The concept is a shell equipped with two kinds of cushioning for the different ages of the baby. This shell is a comfortable cradle, before, and then a seat that can adapt on three different supports in relation to the different needs of moving, a base for car, a stroller-bike and a high chair for home. While the baby is sitting in the shell, the parent can ride the bike.
Using Rfid For Laundry Sorting
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a laundry sorting system using radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags for employees of a vocational rehabilitation program with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. An agency that employs people with significant disabilities was spending approximately $40,000.00 per year on cleaning for their custodial uniforms. They decided to bring the cleaning in-house to create additional jobs for individuals with cognitive and intellectual d
Utensil Hand Grip
The Utensil Hand Grip is designed to assist people with limited hand grip and limited hand movement with eating. The device is made from styrofoam and shaped like an egg which provides a very sturdy grip. So that the utensil does not push through the end of the styrofoam egg, a plug is used.
Uyen's Chair
Uyen's Chair is a wheelchair specifically designed for Uyen to meet the wishes of her family. Uyen’s family wishes there was a chair that would be suitable to support her spine, adjust its size (height, width) for her growth, be flexible for different usage, and be made from a material that would provide good air circulation for extended sitting. This wheelchair does that.
Vanderbilt Exoskeleton
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an advanced exoskeleton that enables individuals with paraplegia (severe spinal cord injury) to stand, walk, sit and, climb stairs.
A team of engineers at Vanderbilt University’s Center for Intelligent Mechatronics has developed a powered exoskeleton that enables people with severe spinal cord injuries to stand, walk, sit and climb stairs. Its light weight, compact size and modular design promise to provide users with an unprecedented de
Vapen
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an ergonomic guide dog harness for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Vapen is an improvement on the guide dog harness that incorporates a ball joint socket into the handle of the harness, providing individuals who are blind or have low vision strengthened communication with their service animal while also improving ergonomics for their hand. An added feature is the ball joint socket allows the harness to be reassembled into a
VariLeg 2
The VariLeg 2 is a powered exoskeleton prototype for the knee to improve the lives of paraplegics by allowing them to walk with greater freedom than with current assisted walking devices. With the VariLeg 2 there is no restricted joint mechanisms that would make it difficult to walk in other a straight line. It mimics the natural behavior of knee movement during gait more accurately because of built in variable impedance actuators that continuously change the knee stiffness so it can adapt to ir
Versatile Extra-Sensory Transducer (VEST)
Versatile Extra-Sensory Transducer (VEST) is designed for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is a lightweight, noninvasive vibratory vest that allows wearers to understand sound and communicate with others. Still in its prototyping stage, VEST helps wearers perceive auditory information through small vibrations on their torsos.
Vertis by Heartway Medical
Vertis by Heartway Medical is a prototype designed for use by individuals with limited lower extremity strength and mobility as a result of cerebral palsy, brain tumors, spinal muscular atrophy or multiple sclerosis. It moves the users from a sitting to standing position for social interaction and environmental access.
VI Fit
Vi Fit is designed for use by individuals who are visual impaired. It is geared for children with visual impairments that tend to exhibit lower performance in motor skills, lower levels of physical activity and fitness, and higher levels of obesity. Exergames are video games that use physical activity as input and which have the potential to change sedentary lifestyles and associated health problems such as obesity. The VI Fit research project seeks to explore how exergames can be developed that
VIBEAT
The VIBEAT is designed to allow deaf and hearing-impaired users to experience music. The device is a wearable necklace and bracelet that translate music into vibrations, thus conveying the feeling of music through an alternative sensory system.
VibroHear
VibroHear is a bracelet designed for the deaf blind to allow them "see" and "feel" sound. When the device picks up high-volume signals, it vibrates and flashes green or red LEDs. These signals communicate to the user the volume and distance of the sound, alerting them to possible dangers in their vicinity.
Video Game Buddy
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a video game controller “buddy” that enables an individual with quadriplegia to play video games. The Video Game Buddy allows an individual with quadriplegia to control the buttons (hands-free) on the video game controller by sipping into puff straws mounted on a headset. Head switches attached to a headrest trigger the directional pad. The Video Game Buddy is made of two parts: 1) the input box and 2) the switches. The input box is made of plastic wit
Virtual Cane
-- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a handheld device that uses sonar-type technology to create a virtual white cane that allows users who are blind or with low vision navigate within their environment. The Virtual Cane is a handheld device that uses a type of sonar to recognize physical objects up to 10 meters (39 feet) from the user. When pointed at an object, it emits invisible focused sound waves and determines how far away the object is. The information is then relayed
Virtual Pediatric Assistant
PROTOTYPE-----The Pediatric Virtual Medical Assistant is designed to monitor infant heart and respiratory rates. It can be placed above, below, or next to a bed that emits nonionizing pulses, 20 million times weaker than a cell phone, to provide critical “spot” and “trend” data to a nurse’s station, tablet, cell phone or pager, or to a database such as an electronic medical record. Its built-in management tools could monitor patient status continuously and include alerts for deteriorating heart
Virtual Reality Gait Feedback Device
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype wearable virtual reality device to provide individuals with balance disorders with supplemental auditory and visual information to assist in restoring normal gait. Scientists at the Techion Institute of Technology in Israel have created a prototype virtual reality gait feedback device which combines a wearable cell-phone sized audio component and a visual feedback apparatus. The audio component measures body movement and then processes the
Visual Assistance Card
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a braille overlay card for a debit/credit card reader to be used by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Designer Kyle Lectenberg, an industrial Design graduate student from Auburn University, created a prototype Visual Assistance Card that lies on top of the debit/credit card reader. By using the Braille imprinted on the card, the user is able to enter his or her personal information rather than having the store clerk enter tha
Visual Sound
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of cell phone technology which converts voice input to text and text input to voice allowing individuals with hearing impairment and/or deafness to communicate by cell phone. The Visual Sound is a mobile phone for the hearing impaired that converts voice input to text and text input to voice. The design features two handy pillars that scroll sideways to expose the roll-out display. To communicate, the individual feeds in the text using the
Visually Impaired Assistant (Via)
-------- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of an electronic obstacle detector and navigation aid for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Visually Impaired Assistant (VIA) is a pair of devices worn on the hands that use video motion detection technology combined with 4 mini cameras to detect obstacles as a person walks. It is intended to be used in place of a white cane. As the one of the VIA devices detects obstacles, it vibrates to warn the user to turn away from
Vivacuum
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a compact vacuum cleaner for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The Vivacuum is a compact cleaner for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The appliance's name is a combination of the words "visualize" and "vacuum." The sensors in the vacuum perceive an object and then transmit that perception to the user via vibrations in the handle. The strength of the vibrations reflects the size of the object(s). One can choose th
Voice
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a device that communicate an object's shape and location to individuals who are blind or have low vision. vOICe maps visual images to sound and then provides blindfolded users with a sense of what an object is and where it is located. The device uses a small web camera mounted on the nose bridge of sunglasses to provide visual input to a small pocket PC (or smartphone) to run software that transforms this input into auditory signals that
vOICe
The vOICe is a sensory substitution device that translates images to sounds for the blind to allow them to understand a visual experience using other senses. Sights, sounds, and smells integrate and interact within the brain so a sight can be “seen” in ways other than just the eyes. This works through multi-sensory interaction or multi-modal processing, activating the visual cortex through sound. With this device, cross-modal mappings stimulates the users visual cortex with auditory signals that
Voice Learning Edition For Windows
The vOICe Learning Edition for Windows is an audible mobility program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This software translates video images from a digital camera into sound. When used with a notebook computer and headphones, it functions as a portable mobility system. The program has speech output controls for its major functions, with a mute button. Sound translations can be made of video images in three-dimensional, digital zoom, slow-motion, fast-motion, and
Voice-Controlled Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype voice-controlled wheelchair which allows individuals with mobility disabilities and unable to physically maneuver a joystick control to navigate a powered-wheelchair. First, the individual uses the speaker independent mode, the speech software is trained in the use of a few words that will help the user get around. After training, the voice-controlled wheelchair is switched over to voice input mode, and then all the comparison between vocal
Voim
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype smart phone for individuals who are blind or with visual impairment. Voim, which means “seeing” in Korean, is a cell phone concept for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Voim is a cellular telephone and electronic navigation aid (GPS) that features voice input functionality and a braille display with a silicon screen. It also has a detachable Bluetooth headset through which audio cues can be transmitted. TITLE: It’s Time for a Br
VR Workplace Trainer
The VR Workplace Trainer is virtual reality designed for people who work with those individuals with disabilities to better learn how to de-escalate tricky scenarios with their clients. Virtual reality would allow staffers to practice their responses to a variety of different situations without ever putting a client, or themselves, in harm's way by virtually preparing workers for stressful or unnerving situations that arise sometimes and that they might not know how to handle.
Vv-Talker
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a theurputic training aid to assist deaf/mute children to speak effectively. The VV-Talker is designed for children who are deaf and/or mute to assist them in overcoming difficulties in speaking effectively. Since they cannot hear the sounds a hearing person makes, it is difficult to know if they pronouncing words or sounds correctly. The VV-Talker has two components - a vibration detector that with a handle that fits around the front of
Walking aid orthopedic device
Walking aid orthopedic device is a prototype model designed for adults with cerebral palsy. It is created by designer Luke Forward. Research on orthopedics and how it affects the movements of adults was done prior to the development of the first prototype. Emphasis was placed on weight reduction of the equipment to help people use it with ease, which explains the use of carbon.
Walking Motivator
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: Design a motivational walking device for an child with cerebral palsy and autism. The goal was to build a device that would use music to stimulate the consumer to walk on his own. The Walking Motivator is a motion-activated music player that includes a pedometer to detect motion, a microprocessor, an MP3 music player, and headphones. Other than the headphones, the entire device fits inside a small pouch that straps onto the consumer’s hip. As long as the consum
Walkman
PROTOTYPE------Walkman is a prototype designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Walkman is a wearable assistive technology created to aid a person who is blind walk without bumping into obstacles. It uses sonar sensor to detect obstacles in a user’s path and provide haptic feedback about the obstacles ahead.
Walter: An Alternating Center Of Gravity Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype wheelchair with an adjustable center of gravity for wheelchair users in developing countries. The Walter project was initiated to develop an adult active manual wheelchair compatible with the social, physical, and economic conditions of semi-urban environments in developing countries. The project was characterized by a four-step process: (1) initial research in Gothenburg (Sweden); (2) design and construction of a functional prototype with
Water Simon Says
Water Simon Says is a water based rehabilitation game designed for children with visual impairment and disabilities to challenge them to swim around to different points and turn off the lights (similar to the game Simon Says).
Wearable Ankle Robot for Motor Rehabilitation in Acute Stroke Prototype
The Wearable Robot for Motor Rehabilitation in Acute Stroke is a prototype commissioned by the Department of Health and Human Services. The wearable robot will be designed to help stroke survivors improve their mobility as early as possible, as much as possible, and regain function and independence.
Wearable Tens Unit-Type Patch
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a wearable patch based on Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) technology to provide relief for various types of pain for people with disabilities or pain disorders. Developed by Thimble Bioelectronics, this wearable TENS patch uses low voltage electrical stimulation to help provide relief for certain types of pain. The patch was inspired when Thimble's CEO and founder, Shaun Rahimi, was working on a device to help with his
Weebot
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a mobility device for babies and young children with physical and mobility disabilities. Researchers and designers at the Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY have designed and developed a prototype device that allows children with physical and mobility disabilities to explore greater independence as part of the Tots on Bots project. They created the WeeBot using a baby seat that is then strapped onto a Wii Fit Balance Board that sits on top of
Well Chair
Well Chair is designed for use by individuals with limited lower extremity strength and mobility as a result of a brain tumor, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. Well Chair is a product, of which the main purpose is to reduce the difference in mind between users and non-users. It is designed to reduce the users feelings of isolation and enhance awareness that Well Chair can be used for medical support as well as a piece of furniture.
Weon Glasses
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: WeOn Glasses are optic glasses which have an electronic device in the frame that interacts with smartphones, tablets and personal computers. WeOn Glasses are compatible with prescription or sunglasses lenses. They are capable of imperceptibly interacting with the wearer and notifying them of any kind of notice, as well as many other functions which include the remote activation of the photo camera, controlling slide presentations, playing music, skipping tracks
Wheelcare
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype wheelchair design for individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury and others who use a wheelchair that allows for the comfort of the user and the caregiver pushing the wheelchair. The WheelCare concept features advanced ergonomics that make it just as comfortable for the seated person as it is for the caregiver. This manual wheelchair features a redesigned cushioned handle, height-adjustable footrests; fo
Wheelchair Accessible Recliner
---- CUSTOMIZED ADAPTATION --------- PURPOSE: To provide a custom adaptation of a wheelchair accessible recliner for individuals with mobility disabilities. The Wheelchair Accessible Recliner allows wheelchair users an alternative from standard furniture that is comfortable and designed with their needs in mind. Aside from comfort, the Wheelchair Accessible Recliner provides therapeutic advantages including pressure relief and stretching exercises. To use the Wheelchair Accessible Recliner the
Wheelchair Modern foldable wheelchair
Modern wheelchair by Art Up is a prototype designed for use by individuals with limited lower extremity mobility as a result of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or cerebral palsy. Users can navigate their environment by using their arms to move the extended handlebars to move the wheels. This wheelchair is also foldable for storage.
Wheelchair Navigation Sensor Shirt
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of an adaptive, sensor-laden garment to assist people with severely limited mobility control assistive devices. Developed at the University of Pisa, a sensor-laden garment is printed with 52 flexible piezoresistive sensors. The sensors are made of electroactive polymers that change voltage depending on the angle at which they are stretched. A specialized statistical algorithm analyzes the signals record from each sensor to detect the speci
Wheelchair Ready Vehicle
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a wheelchair ready vehicle for individuals with mobility disabilities. Wheelchair users who, when selecting a vehicle, have their choice of minivans, and sometimes tall wagons, that have been "up-fitted" with needed equipment added and unneeded seats taken away. A South Florida-based start-up company, VPG, plans to begin offering a vehicle designed, engineered and built to be wheelchair-ready the MV-1 this fall. The MV-1's motorized ram
Wheelchair-Attached Lawn Mower
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a lightweight mower that can easily attach to a wheelchair for an individual with mobility disabilities. The design includes a plastic base with wheelchair attachments that allow the base to be suspended above the ground in front of the client's wheelchair without impeding the wheelchair's motion. Two cordless electric grass shearers are attached to a base, providing a 12-inch cutting width. The device provides an even cut only on very s
Wheeled Mobility
Wheeled Mobility is a custom prototype designed for children with Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy to move around on their own. The team explored many crawling and walking design ideas - but after discussing with both Han’s parents and physical therapist, they realized that mobility was the key and they needed to make a motorized chair for him. The chair has interchangeable parts, velcroed down, depending on Han’s abilities and his size - with options for him to sit in a tumble form chair or on his p
Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Contact Lens Prototype
The Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Contact Lens Prototype is designed for those in need of advanced augmentative and alternative communication, people with diabetes or epilepsy to allow it to measure blood glucose levels and brain waves.
Wi-Go
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of a motorized cart that tracks wheelchairs and follows close behind allowing individuals with mobility disabilities or spinal cord injury or others who use wheelchairs to shop more easily and effectively. Designer Luis de Matos of Portugal created the wi-GO, a motorized cart that combines Microsoft’s Kinect sensor with a laptop to track the movements of a wheelchair so that the cart follows close behind the wheelchair. The device could be
Wicab Brainport
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: The Wicab BrainPort prototype is designed to assist individuals who are blind or have extremely low vision. The BrainPort device takes information gathered from a small digital camera in a pair of glasses and sends it to a “lollipop” electrode array that sits on the users tongue. The camera then transmits the light information to a small base unit about the size of a cell phone. The base unit then converts the light information into electrical impulses (this rep
Wii Assist
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: University of Delaware students Rob Rehrig, Josh Marks, and Larry Aiello have hacked the Wii video game controller and Wii Fit’s Wii Balance Board creating prototypes which can be used with applications for individuals with disabilities. The WiiAssist adapts the infrared sensors in the Wii controller, which detects a Wii game player’s motion and position, so that it can be attached to someone’s head. The sensor is then used to track head movements, which can con
Wiibfit
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To create a prototype of modified game controller using the Nintendo Wii System for individuals with quadriplegia or other severe physical disabilities. Using a Wii and customizing the Wiimote game controller, the WiiBfit system makes the Wii accessible to people with quadriplegia. The overall system design includes the use of the Polybot custom microprocessor board that is interfaced to a modified Wiimote controller to take accelerometer data. The accelerometer
Winter Challenge 2
Winter Challenge 2 are wheelchair wheel cleaners designed for people with lower extremity disabilities who are wheelchair users to clean their wheelchairs when they get muddy.
Winter Chanllenge 1
Winter Challenge 1 is a hatchback canopy umbrella designed for wheelchair users to raise or lower with the press of a button.
Wired Bandage
The Wired Bandage was designed as a bandage that can give the user the correct dosage of medicine. The Wired Bandage is made of electrically conductive fibers coated in hydrogel. It can be set to trigger medicine to release by smart phone or to release by itself. An attached microcontroller (about the size of a postage stamp) sends voltage through select fibers at select times. When it does so, those fibers heat up, also heating the gel that covers them. This causes the gel to release the medica
Wisb Handbike
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: To design a prototype of a sports bike for individuals with lower extremity or mobility disabilities, spinal cord injury and lower limb amputation. The Walking Impairment Sport Bike (WISB) is a hand-propelled bike that combines the advantages of bike and recumbent bikes into a device that is one part agile wheelchair and one part sports bike. The WISB gives users the option to toggle between “high mode” for indoor use and comfortable city driving or “low mode” f
Wise Control
Wise Control is an adapted AAC device designed for people with poor upper body strength and cortical blindness or cerebral palsy to communicate effectively with their communication device.
Words in the mouth: CSU device lets you hear with your tongue
------PROTOTYPE-----Words in the mouth: CSU device allows user to hear with their tongue. Researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) are developing a hearing device that bypasses the ear and puts words in the mouth. The technology relies on a Bluetooth-enabled earpiece to detect sound and send electrical impulses to an electrode-packed retainer that wearers press their tongue against to “hear".
Xo-303 Standing Wheelchair
---- PROTOTYPE --------- PURPOSE: The Karman XO-303 Power Wheelchair with Stand-Up Wheelchair is a prototype that offers many health benefits previously unavailable to those in a wheelchair. By putting the body in a standing position, the chair provides users with better blood circulation, kidney and bladder functioning, as well as muscle tone. In addition the ability to place persons in a standing position reduces muscle contracture and bone decalcification, thereby reducing the risk of osteopo
Yes/No Tiles
The Yes/No Tiles is a prototype designed for users with physical or mental disabilities that encourages the user to participate and perform better in their daily life activities. To use, the therapist asks a question, and then the user answers out loud while holding up the corresponding yes/no card. The "Yes" card has designs imprinted on it from a smiley face, sunshine smiley face, check mark, and thumbs up. The "No" card has designs imprinted on it from a large x, strike through circle, and th
Zebra New Hard BN-5200
The Zebra New Hard BN-5200 is an assistive device designed for the elderly or people who have limited dexterity to help them hold a ballpoint pen. This device can be used by anyone who has difficulty holding a pen. This device is made through 3D printing.
Zizzy
Zizzy is a robot designed by way of 3D printing. Zizzy was designed to help users with limited mobility. The robot uses 3D printable pneumatic muscles made from Ninjaflex filament, and can move objects using 3D printed grippers.
Zoom Soldier 8
The Nike Zoom Soldier 8 is a workout shoe developed for people with disabilities to give them greater independence without having to have someone tie their shoes and to give them the opportunity to do a high-intensity workout without worrying about their shoes slipping off. The shoes slips on and then has a zipper that goes around the heel for adequate support. This gives people with one hand the ability to do a high-intensity workout too.