Hollis Pierce experienced a memorable moment when he captured his first selfie with the assistance of the engineering team at Sielo Robotics. Pierce, a disability advocate and the head of accessibility and partnerships at the Ottawa-based company, relies on a powered wheelchair for mobility.
One of his tasks at Sielo Robotics involves testing the company’s assistive robotic arm, Arlo, which he controls using a space mouse—a device capable of manipulating 3D environments in six directions. Pierce shared his excitement about achieving the goal of taking a selfie using Arlo, likening the experience to playing a video game.
Sielo Robotics, founded at the University of Ottawa, emphasizes user input from individuals with firsthand experience. The company recently secured a million dollars in seed funding, setting the stage for accelerated progress.
Collaborating with The 8-80 Collaborative, Sielo Robotics aims to expand its reach beyond the lab and into homes and communities. Pierce, reflecting on the potential impact of Arlo, highlighted its ability to address essential needs independently, such as wiping his nose or accessing water.
Rafaël Hébert, the company’s chief technology officer, expressed optimism witnessing users like Pierce leverage the robotic arm for various tasks. He emphasized the importance of adapting technology to accommodate diverse control methods, such as eye gaze, sip and puff, joysticks, and switches.
Masoud Karimi, a robotics control engineer at Sielo, is spearheading the development of an AI-enabled system for the arm to streamline routine tasks. The company’s ultimate goal is to create an affordable and insurance-covered device that enhances independence for individuals with disabilities.
With the recent funding boost, Sielo Robotics aims to expedite development and potentially introduce their robotic arms for beta testing in households by the year’s end. Pierce, enthused about Arlo’s potential impact on future generations, looks forward to the device’s accessibility for young individuals with disabilities.