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Hans Hennecke | photo courtesy of Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times
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Jean Hedrick | photo courtesy of Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times
Cal State Fullerton engineering students joined forces with residents from Morningside of Fullerton to test new technology that could help seniors and those with disabilities perform daily living tasks.
The engineering students, under the direction of Dr. Kiran George, are currently testing four Assistive Technology devices being developed through Cal State Fullerton’s Bio-Electric Signal Based Systems Laboratory.
The team of students and residents was able to test prototypes including a mind-controlled robotic arm to assist with routine activities, a self-driving wheelchair, a facial recognition memory aid that helps people with Alzheimer’s disease, and a mind-controlled home automation system used with ALS patients who can't speak.
“Right now, about one in 10 seniors can afford most of the mind-controlled products already on the market,” Dr. Kiran George said. “Our goal is to develop products that are reasonably priced and user-friendly for older people and those with disabilities.”
During one of the demonstrations, Jean Hedrick made a robotic arm pick up a block from a table by concentrating on a set of LED lights. In another demonstration, Hans Hennecke made a light bulb turn on by concentrating on an audio frequency while wearing a 3-D printed device on his head.
“The Assistive Technology event is part of a series of ongoing lectures and events designed to bring the residents and students at Cal State Fullerton together,” said Richard Nordsiek, executive director for Morningside. “From the residents’ side, they enjoy interacting with the students and keeping up with the latest technology. On the other hand, the students and professors benefit from real-world feedback and the insights and wisdom of the residents. Everybody wins.”
SOURCES
- latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-wknd-et-csuf-technology-20180426-story.html
- morningsideoffullerton.com/current/cal-state-fullerton-students-morningside-residents-test-next-gen-devices-for-older-adults/
- ocregister.com/2018/04/16/seniors-get-sneak-peak-at-the-technology-that-could-one-day-make-daily-life-easier/