The Assistive Tech Exhibition, in collaboration with Careables, was held by Engineering Good (EG) over a rainy weekend between 21-22 November 2020, showcasing new and upcoming assistive devices created by local and international parties. The atmosphere was warm and bustling as both volunteers and visitors interacted at EG’s new headquarters (with strict adherence to safe distancing guidelines), located at 65 Kerbau Road, to learn more on assistive technology devices. Our volunteers also shared on the projects they have been working on, which ranged from clever low cost hacks to bespoke 3D printed solutions.
A volunteer in the midst of creation!
Careables is an online platform which aims to distribute accessible and inclusive healthcare to all, relying on digital fabrication methods like 3D printing, which can be produced at a lower cost. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme grant, Careables works in collaboration with other Non-Governmental Organisations to create assistive tech devices specific to the needs of the local communities across the globe.
Safe management measures in place!
The first floor housed the larger assistive devices, which supports a larger range of movement for users.
Beyond your average toy car, this modified car by GoBabyGo! helps babies and toddlers with mobility issues to move about freely, doubling up as a toy for play as well. Children with mobility issues are often excluded from play activities with other children, as these usually involve a wide range of movement. The modified car removes the ostracizing component from their playgroups, allowing them to join in the fun!
GoBabyGo!
The Qanemate mobility aid holder, a redesign of the traditional walking stick, prevents the walking stick from dropping to the ground, where retrieval would be a difficult task for seniors already dependent on the cane, by latching it onto either a chair or table. Created by 2 brothers wanting to solve a commonly seen issue, the Qanemate also houses smart functions such as weather forecasts and location identification via an embedded NFC chip, turning it into a smart walking stick that the elderly can depend on.
The Qanemate is easily secured onto a chair
Most of the activities at the exhibition took place on the second floor, with a wide range of smaller assistive tech devices neatly showcased along the aisle. Abuzz with activity, the sounds of 3D printing and workshop activities were aplenty as volunteers and visitors partook in hands-on work and learnt more about the devices.
The BlinkyBox makes its appearance too!
At the front of the exhibition, our volunteer, Lynn, ran the Hack-a-Trackball workshop, where participants learnt how to solder, fix, and create an alternative to the computer mouse. For individuals without fine motor function, traditional computer mice may be awkward and difficult to use due to the need for sensitive and precise input. Furthermore, current commercial solutions on the market are not very affordable, nor are they tailored specific to each individual. By modifying trackballs and creating assistive switches, participants created a low cost, easy to construct alternative computer mouse that could be customized according to the needs of each person.
Our volunteer Lynn leads the Hack-a-Trackball workshop
Soldering connections
The Trackball is done!
With Safe Management Measures in place, there was a limit to the total number of people allowed at the exhibition at any one time. To ensure the exhibition could be experienced by all, our cheery volunteer, May-Ann, brought viewers through every exhibit via live walkthrough and detailed the exciting work created by volunteers and participants. If you missed this live viewing or the Assistive Tech Exhibition, you can relive it over here!