A game that helps the visually impaired play baseball. An all-terrain sled that can be used year-round. A walker that helps elderly people stand. These are just a handful of inventions that young engineers from around the world developed for the 2021 FIRST® Global Innovation Project, powered by Star Wars: Force for Change. Teams included high school and middle school students who were tasked with designing a device or improving an existing technology that helps people be more active. The top 20 team innovation finalists include:
- Blazing Stars (USA) designed a skateboard for visually impaired children
- The Blue Jay Bots invented a walker for elderly people that helps them get out of chairs
- Climb Blind (Norway) created “grips” devices that help climbers who are visually impaired
- Corti-Patch Kids (Canada) invented a device that monitors cortisol levels for people with Addison’s disease
- Cosmic Creators (USA) developed a better way to play “beepball” (a game similar to baseball but for the visually impaired) that uses white noise to guide players between bases
- D++ (Israel) created a knee-physiotherapy system that turns physical therapy into a game that also tells players when they are doing a movement incorrectly
- Dgital #1331 (Israel) created an app-connected desk exercise device for office workers that allows them to compete against each other while they work
- Goalvolution (Spain) developed a bracelet device that helps visually impaired people play Goalball, a Paralympic sport
- JRA Tunisia (Tunisia) invented an autonomous robot dubbed “Runner’s Sight” that guides visually impaired runners on an Olympic race track
- Lego Legion (USA) developed a “SmartSteps System” shoe insole equipped with sensor technology that helps physical therapy patients recover from injuries
- N.O.A.M. Nerds On A Mission (USA) created the “Winter Warmer,” a special warming garment that encourages people to be more active in the winter
- #PandaPower (USA) develop a “PlayAR” augmented reality fitness system that makes exercise entertaining
- Robotillers (USA) created “Limestoneopoly,” an interactive game that encourages socializing in one’s local community
- SESI Biotech (Brazil) invented a backpack called “Move Bag” with a special elastic system that allows people to exercise any time, anywhere
- SESI Big Bang (Brazil) invented a special strip called FIGLOVE that fits in one’s hand and helps reduce pain among people with Fibromyalgia during exercise
- Shakespearean Pirates (USA) invented the “ExerWheel4000,” a wheelchair add-on that turns exercise movements into wheelchair motion
- Taggin’ Dragons (USA) developed a vest system with ultrasonic sensors that help visually impaired people navigate their environment
- 8404 Team Not Found (Canada) created the “Acti-Go All Terrain Sled” that can be used year-round and encourages kids to be active all year long
- Thundercats (USA) developed the “Third Eye” sensor strap that warns visually impaired users when obstacles are in their way.
- 18368 – ALIEN (USA) invented wheel covers for wheelchairs that improve traction in ice and snow
Read the full list.
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