Linespace is a tactile display system for blind users. The foundation of our system is a large 140x100cm display area, on which the system creates raised tactile lines with the help of a 3D printer. The foot switch allows users to enter text and issue commands by talking to the computer.
We use Linespace to give blind users access to the type of software packages that normally only sighted people can access, namely the type of software that helps them to make sense of complex data. So far, we have created a simple homefinder program, a spreadsheet program that can read and write Microsoft Excel, two simple games, and a simple programming environment.
One might say that Linespace is an interactive "visualization" system for the blind. The key to achieving this is Linespace large display as it allows displaying a lot of contents at once, where smaller display systems need to update screen contents. The use of lines (instead of the more common Braille dots) helps create visualizations.
The vision behind Linespace is to help blind users interact with and make sense of complex spatial data. It thereby intends to pick up the vision behind of Vannevar Bush's memex, Engelbart Online system, and Xerox PARC's personal computer, by investigating how we can recreate this type of interaction for blind users--how to use computers to help people think better.
Specialized 3D printing is used to create a first-of-its-kind customized nerve regeneration guide with incorporated biochemical cues to promote both sensory and motor growth nerve regrowth. The red dots represent cues for motor growth the green dots represent cues for sensory regrowth. This research was led by University of Minnesota mechanical engineering professor Michael McAlpine.
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| Random guy doing something cool ... I envy you dude ... |
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| Biorep prototypes |
When Natasha Hope-Simpson lost her leg, her life came to a stop. But she built new momentum through design, as she created a beautiful, custom 3D-printable prosthetic leg that reflected her character in ways that a stock prosthetic never could. See how she and a team of 3D experts went from design to prototype in only two weeks.
Ozbolat told HuffPost Live's Caroline Modarressy-Tehrani that while current research is focusing on replacing failed organs, he's also interested in the prospect of developing a "brand new organ" that doesn't exist in nature but which could be transplanted to "enhance the functionality of the human body."
And he's thinking big. One possibility is an organ that generates electricity inside our bodies.
"For complicated organs -- for example, if the heart fails -- then you need a pacemaker. The pacemaker runs with batteries, and when the battery needs to be replaced, surgery is needed," he said. That procedure could be eliminated by creating "an organ that is going to be part of the human body and generate electricity that can run the heart."
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| There is still long way to go before fully functional organs |
The main idea of the PERFORMANCE project is to develop and validate a holistic, personalised food supply chain for frail elderly persons living either in nursing homes, ambient assisted living facilities or at home (visited by nursing services) facing swallowing and/or masticating problems.
The supply “chain” in this case will resemble a loop, with the elderly consumers forming the initial link (providing info on personal preference and needs) as well as the final link (consumption of the personalised food). As a result of the PERFORMANCE project, an overall concept will be available which allows the automated manufacture and supply of personalised, specially textured food for frail and elderly people.
The key question is: “How can personalised nutrition contribute to improving the health of frail elderly people facing swallowing and/or masticating problems and dignified aging in their sunset years?”
To answer this question, the PERFORMANCE concept will cover the whole supply chain from the food producer to the ready-to-eat meal at point of consumption – whether nursing home or at home. Focus will be put on personalised food for people with mastication and swallowing problems.
The main idea of the PERFORMANCE project is to develop and validate a holistic, personalised food supply chain for frail elderly persons living either in nursing homes, ambient assisted living facilities or at home (visited by nursing services) facing swallowing and/or masticating problems.
