Ottawa company develops robotic arm to lend a hand to people with disabilities
Ottawa-based Sielo Robotics is developing an assistive robotic arm called Arlo to help individuals with physical disabilities perform daily tasks. The company recently secured one million dollars in seed funding to advance their technology, which is currently being tested by users with lived experience.
Why it matters
This technology represents a significant advancement in assistive devices, potentially increasing independence for people with mobility impairments.
July 19 | Duration 2:23 Ottawa-based Sielo Robotics is developing an assistive robotic arm to help people with physical disabilities accomplish daily tasks. CBC's Matthew Kupfer visited their lab. Social Sharing When Hollis Pierce took one of his first selfies, he was surrounded by the engineering team that made it possible.
“I’m 38 years old and I’ve never taken my own selfie,” Pierce said.
Pierce uses a powered wheelchair and advocates for people with physical disabilities. He is also the head of accessibility and partnerships at Ottawa-based Sielo Robotics.
Part of his job involves product testing for the robotics company. Pierce is able to direct Arlo, the company's assistive robotic arm, using a space mouse, a device that can manipulate 3D environments in six directions.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in