13 engineers challenged to Make Life Accessible

element14 has announced the finalists of its Make Life Accessible Design Challenge. Sponsored by NXP, the competition sees element14 community members challenged to use motor control technology to create innovative mobility solutions that will improve the lives and accessibility of people living with disabilities.

“The submissions we received for the Make Life Accessible Challenge ranged from a solar-powered ice melter to a motorised, articulated tabletop, addressing simple everyday challenges most able-bodied people overlook,” said Dianne Kibbey, global head of content and community, element14. “We’re excited to see these ideas come to fruition and help provide a more accessible and comfortable lifestyle for people with all levels of physical abilities.”

The 13 finalists selected for the challenge and their solutions include:

• Yao Feng, China: Intelligent elbow motion assist module
• Ambrogio Galbusera, Italy: Eye tracker and automated drawing system
• Douglas Wong, Canada: Solar-powered device to direct sunlight to melt snow
• David Delebassee, Belgium: Pen cap remover
• Graham Webber, Saudi Arabia: Smart storage system
• Brenda Armour, Canada: Mobile resting station to lift cats
• Carlos Rios, Mexico: Vibrating glove for two-way communication
• Benjamin Bonnal, Switzerland: Automated bedside drawer opener
• Mocanu Andreea Catalina, Romania: Motorised guiding stick for people with unusual impairment
• Alexandros Pilios, Netherlands: Motorised brain assist modular system (MOBRAS)
• Scott Coppersmith, United States: Motorised articulating table top
• Bram Kools, Netherlands: Adjustable room furniture
• Tyler Roush, United States: Motorised carousel system to reach high cupboards

Each of the 13 challengers will provide updates on their progress through blog posts, photos and videos, to be posted weekly until the project submission deadline of 6 June. element14 will also provide an official Design Challenge Kit and NXP Freedom Development Board, which challengers are required to use in their design.

Final projects will be judged on originality, innovation and technical merit by a panel of expert judges including NXP’s Mark Houston and Benjamin Heckendorn, host of element14’s The Ben Heck Show. The winners will be announced on 21 June and will receive the following prizes:

• Grand prize: Design will be featured on element14’s The Ben Heck Show and the designer will receive an NXP High-Voltage Development Platform Kit, Oculus Rift, Oculus Touch Controller and Go Pro Hero 4 Black
• Second prize: An Oculus Rift and an Oculus Touch Controller
• Third prize: A GoPro Hero Session

To learn more about the Make Life Accessible Challenge and follow along with the 13 challengers, visit https://www.element14.com/makelifeaccessible.