Hollis Pierce experienced a significant moment when he captured his first selfie surrounded by the engineering team responsible for enabling the feat. Pierce, a staunch advocate for individuals with physical disabilities, serves as the head of accessibility and partnerships at Sielo Robotics in Ottawa. As part of his responsibilities at the robotics company, Pierce engages in product testing, utilizing a space mouse to direct Arlo, the assistive robotic arm developed by the company.
Expressing his excitement, Pierce shared that his goal for the day was to take a selfie, a task he had never done before at 38 years old. Despite the initial hour-long learning curve, Pierce found the process akin to playing a video game with the latest fourth-generation model of the robotic arm. He openly communicates with his team about the strengths and weaknesses of Arlo, emphasizing the feedback loop between users and developers.
Sielo Robotics, born out of the University of Ottawa, prides itself on drawing inspiration from individuals with real-world experiences. The company recently secured a million dollars in seed funding in May, propelling their work forward. Laila Burns, the chief revenue officer, highlighted the grassroots support that enabled their progress, underscoring the collaborative efforts with The 8-80 Collaborative, a partnership fostering innovation in healthcare.
For Arlo to reach households and communities, more testers like Pierce are required to provide valuable insights. Pierce emphasized the impact of the robotic arm in simplifying essential tasks for individuals with disabilities, envisioning a future where Arlo can empower users to perform everyday activities with ease.
Rafaël Hébert, the chief technology officer at Sielo, acknowledged the advancements made by users like Pierce, citing their ability to interact with the robotic arm for various tasks. Overcoming the challenge of replicating intricate human actions in diverse settings, the company is leveraging user feedback to enhance the adaptability of their technology.
Masoud Karimi, a robotics control engineer at Sielo, is spearheading the development of an AI-enabled system for the robotic arm to streamline routine tasks effectively. By harnessing innovative technologies, the company aims to empower individuals with disabilities to accomplish complex activities independently, bridging the accessibility gap.
Burns reiterated the company’s commitment to affordability and accessibility, aiming to provide a cost-effective device covered by insurance. With the seed funding accelerating their development efforts, Sielo is poised to introduce their robotic arms for beta testing in households by year-end. Pierce, reflecting on his evolving selfie-taking abilities, highlighted the transformative potential of Arlo for future generations, emphasizing the positive impact on young individuals with disabilities.