element14 launches Make Life Accessible Design Challenge

element14 has launched its first Grand Design Challenge of 2016 — the Make Life Accessible Design Challenge. Sponsored by NXP, the challenge will see element14 community members use motor control technology to create innovative mobility solutions that will improve the lives and accessibility of people living with physical disabilities.

“As engineers, the members of the element14 community are equipped with the skills to give people living with disabilities freedom from physical limitations,” said Dianne Kibbey, global head of content and community, element 14. “We hope that with the proper tools and support, the challenge participants will identify and develop new solutions that will lead to more a more accessible and comfortable lifestyle for people everywhere.”

With a wide range of accessibility and mobility solutions needed, participants have the opportunity to showcase their skills by creating designs that cater to a variety of groups including the elderly, military veterans, motorcyclists, athletes, children and more. Challengers are required to use the NXP Freedom Development Board in their design, but are also encouraged to incorporate additional components from the official Design Challenge Kit provided by element14.

Applications are open until 4 March, with the 15 official challengers to be announced shortly afterwards. Each challenger will provide weekly updates on their progress through blog posts, photos and videos via the element14 community.

Finalists will have until 6 June to submit their projects. Entries will be judged on originality, innovation and technical merit by a panel of expert judges including NXP’s Mark Houston and Ben Heck, host of element14’s The Ben Heck Show. The winners will be announced on 21 June.

The winning design will be featured on The Ben Heck Show and the designer will receive an NXP High-Voltage Development Platform, Oculus Rift, Oculus Touch Controller and Go Pro Hero 4 Black. The second and third place winners will receive similar prizes ranging from £490 to £850.

To learn more about the Make Life Accessible Challenge and to submit an entry, click here.