ITE 06/21
Press Release No. 18/07
Information embargoed until delivery of speech
Inaugural ITE-IBM Assistive Technology Design Competition
MAKING LIVES EASIER FOR THE NEEDY:
ITE STUDENTS PIT THEIR INNOVATIVE SKILLS AGAINST ONE ANOTHER
A padlock alarm that would prevent break-ins, a spoon which makes for efficient cutlery, an automatic medication dispenser with a built-in alarm, and a special cup that would aid the visually handicapped when refilling… these are among the innovative entries submitted by students from the three ITE Colleges, and which are in the running for top awards at the first-ever ITE-IBM Assistive Technology Design Competition.
2 The Competition is one of the areas of collaboration in community outreach between the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and IBM Singapore Pte Ltd. It provides a platform for ITE students to develop and showcase innovative ideas leveraging on assistive technology and technical skills to help the elderly and underprivileged community.
3 ITE’s community partnership with IBM started in December last year with the signing of a two-year Memorandum of Understanding.
In Search of Winning Designs
4 The top ten entries were shortlisted from a total of 132 entries which were received at the close of the Competition. The top three winning designs will be revealed at an Awards Presentation Ceremony, to be held on Wednesday 12 December 2007, at 1000 hours at the Auditorium of ITE Headquarters, 10 Dover Drive. The event will also incorporate an Exhibition showcasing the top ten innovative creations.
5 A professional jury panel will judge the designs on novelty, ease of use, affordability and how it enhances quality of life. The top three designs stand to win cash awards of $1,000, $800 and $600, respectively.
6 Write-ups on the top 10 entries are featured in Annex A.
Creative Ideas for a Good Cause
7 Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO/ITE, said: "I am pleased to note that at the close of the competition in September, a total of 132 entries were received from the three ITE Colleges. The overwhelming response marks an encouraging start for our students to use their technical skills and creativity to develop innovations that impact the community. The enthusiastic response from students also reflect the innovation and caring culture we build into the ITE Education, where students are encouraged to apply creativity and compassion to knowledge, to bring ideas into fruition.”
8 Added Ms Teresa Lim, Managing Director of IBM Singapore Pte Ltd: “The ITE-IBM collaboration aims to promote a more inclusive society in Singapore, where the elderly and persons with disabilities can lead productive lives and participate more easily in social and professional opportunities. We applaud ITE for instilling a strong sense of social responsibility in their students. The ten finalists’ proposals are exemplary due to the students’ ability to adapt their science and engineering knowledge in creating innovative and practical assistive solutions for the elderly and those with disabilities.”
Invitation to Media
9 Members of the media are cordially invited to profile the winning designs and cover the ITE-IBM Assistive Technology Design Competition Awards Presentation Ceremony. The programme for the Ceremony and a location map of ITE HQ are at Annex B respectively.
10 For queries or arrangements for interviews, please contact Mr Victor Yen, Corporate Relations Officer at Tel: 67720805 or Email: Victor_Yen@ite.edu.sg.
Released on: 11 December 2007
The Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Singapore, was established as a post-secondary education institution in 1992 under the Ministry of Education. ITE is a principal provider of career and technical education and key developer of national occupational skills certification and standards to enhance Singapore's workforce competitiveness. Under its "One ITE System, Three Colleges" Model of Education and Governance, ITE has three Colleges, comprising ITE College Central, ITE College East and ITE College West. |
Annex A
ITE-IBM ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DESIGN COMPETITION
AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY
TOP 10 DESIGNS
AUTOPILL
by Team from ITE College East
This automatic dispenser, which dispenses pills at preset times is small, lightweight, and portable with enough compartments to store up to a week’s medication. It has a built-in alarm and a LED display to remind patients to take their medication on time.
FUN-XERCISE
by Team from ITE College West
The device combines entertainment and exercise into a single activity. The kinetic energy generated through exercising will trigger off the screening of a video that would entertain the user during the routine. It thus encourages users to continue exercising and by so doing, strengthen their leg muscles. The device is also equipped with a paddling unit with straps for safety. This device helps one to maintain an active and vibrant lifestyle.
MAGCULATOR
by Team from ITE College East
It is a compact 3-in-1 tool that functions as a magnifying glass, calculator and torch light. This handy device is made of durable, hard plastic and soft rubber, and can be hand-held or clipped onto a book/magazine to make reading easier for the elderly. The magnifying glass enables users to see the display on the calculator better. The device also has a built-in torch light, which can be activated in the absence of a light source.
PADLOCK
by Team from ITE College West
The device is designed to alert the elderly to retrieve their keys from the padlock, thus improving home security. This is achieved through the use of an optical sensor to detect the presence of a reflective key chain. When the key is not removed after a pre-determined time, the system will activate an alarm to alert the user. There is also an option to alert users or family members via SMS.
PASAR CANE
by Team from ITE College Central
The aim of the device is to help the elderly to walk with sufficient support while carrying their purchases from the market. The device has hooks that can be used to hang grocery bags. Retractable wheels fixed to the bottom of the device enable it to transport grocery bags with ease. The device also has a rubber base which is wide enough to allow the walking stick to be kept in balance when not in use.
SECURE SPOON
by Team from ITE College Central
The device is the humble spoon converted into an efficient cutlery customised for people with psycho-motor difficulties. Usually, the elderly and patients suffering from stroke or arthritis have difficulty feeding themselves with a spoon due to deformation of their fingers or weak muscles. This device prevents them from dropping the spoon as they feed themselves. The use of this device will give this special group of people more confidence and encourage them to manage a meal by themselves.
SWIVEL WHEELCHAIR
by Team from ITE College Central
The device allows wheelchair bound persons to move about with greater confidence. Built-in features such as the MP3 also allow users to keep pace with trends. Unlike the conventional steel wheelchair that looks “cold and unfriendly”, the swivel wheelchair comes with an ergonomic design with curves that make it easier for the users to interact with others. The device also has an added shade and a motorised gearbox which enable users to enjoy the same freedom of movement like everyone else.
THIRD EYE CUP
by Team from ITE College Central
The device makes it easier for the visually handicapped to fill his drinking cup to the desired level. The device is equipped with a level indicator which will rise in accordance with the water level. Upon contact with skin surface (finger), a sensory input is registered, signaling that the desired level has been reached.
THREE-LEGGED WALKER
by Team from ITE College Central
This device comprises a walking frame with three legs, two of which can be detached to serve as walking canes. The walker is fitted with rubber grips which are sweat absorbent for safety. It is also designed to have inter-changeable footings, where users can have a choice of either rubber paddings or rollers. There is also a mini storage box for users to store coins or medicine. Sleek and space efficient, this walker can be easily folded and packed into the boot of a car or store room.
WALKING AID WITH FOLDABLE TABLE
by Team from ITE College Central
The device comprises a walker with an integrated foldable and extendable table attached to a wheelchair. It allows wheelchair-bound users to access a table more easily. For users who are not totally wheelchair-bound, the attached walker can be used to prop them to standing position, and strengthen their leg muscles through practice walking. It also allows users greater flexibility to attend to their daily activities.
ANNEX B
ITE-IBM ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY DESIGN COMPETITION
AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY
on Wednesday 12 December 2007 at 1000 hours
Auditorium, Level 1,
ITE Headquarters
10, Dover Drive
Programme
0930 hrs |
Students and staff to be seated |
1000 hrs |
Guests and VIPs to be seated |
1005 hrs |
Address by
Mr Bruce Poh Geok Huat |
1010 hrs |
Sharing by Chief Judge, Assoc Prof James Goh |
1020 hrs |
Slide Presentation on 10 Project Finalists |
1030 hrs |
Prize Presentation Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation to Judges |
1050 hrs |
Tour of Exhibits Reception |
Location Map
ITE Headquarters
10 Dover Drive, Singapore 138683
