Hollis Pierce experienced a groundbreaking moment when he captured his first selfie, surrounded by the engineering team responsible for enabling this feat. Pierce, a vocal advocate for individuals with physical disabilities and the head of accessibility and partnerships at Sielo Robotics in Ottawa, shared his excitement about the achievement. Using a powered wheelchair, Pierce plays a pivotal role in product testing for the company, utilizing a space mouse to command Arlo, the assistive robotic arm developed by Sielo Robotics.
This milestone was not without its challenges, as Pierce admitted that mastering the selfie task initially took about an hour. However, with the latest fourth-generation model, he likened the experience to that of playing a video game. Pierce has been transparent with his colleagues, providing both positive and negative feedback on Arlo’s functionalities.
Sielo Robotics, established at the University of Ottawa, emphasizes drawing inspiration from users with firsthand experiences. The company recently secured a significant boost in funding, raising a million dollars in seed capital in May, which is expected to accelerate their initiatives. Collaborating with The 8-80 Collaborative, Sielo Robotics is striving to bring Arlo into households and communities, aiming to address essential daily needs for individuals like Pierce.
Rafaël Hébert, the chief technology officer at Sielo Robotics, expressed optimism about the progress made by users like Pierce, highlighting their ability to interact with the robotic arm effectively. Overcoming the challenge of replicating intricate human actions in dynamic settings, the company is leveraging feedback from users adapting technology to suit their requirements.
Masoud Karimi, a robotics control engineer at Sielo, is actively working on an AI-powered system to enhance the arm’s capabilities in recording routine tasks efficiently. Sielo Robotics aims to make their device more cost-effective and accessible, ensuring coverage under insurance policies. With the recent funding injection, the company anticipates a swift development trajectory, with aspirations to introduce their robotic arms for beta testing in households by the year’s end.
As Pierce continues to refine his selfie-taking skills with Arlo, he envisions the immense potential the robotic arm holds for future generations. His enthusiasm lies in the prospect of making Arlo available to individuals with disabilities from a young age, signaling a promising future for assistive technology.