Emerging Tech Aims to Improve Life for Handicapped
From: ECN Magazinbe - 01/09/2017

Emerging technology is giving new hope for the handicapped, and harnessing
brainwaves for the physically disabled and helping the visually impaired with
"artificial vision" are just the start.

Many systems showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas are
aimed at improving quality of life for people with disabilities.

BrainRobotics, a Massachusetts-based startup, showed its prosthesis that can
be controlled by residual muscle strength of an amputee with better
efficiency than similar devices, according to developers.

Over time the group wants to use technology from its sister company BrainCo
to harness brain waves for improved function.

BrainCo already markets a headband which helps identify patterns of brain
waves to help improve focus and treat children with learning disabilities.

Several technologies are also being developed for the visually-impaired.

Israeli startup Orcam showed its device called MyEye, which can be attached
to arms of eyeglasses and is being marketed by French eyewear giant Essilor.

The device aims to give greater independence to those with trouble seeing: it
has a tiny camera and whispers into a user's ear, and has the ability to read
texts and identify people and objects on supermarket shelves.

Danish-based manufacturer Oticon showed its new hearing aid, which works with
objects in a connected home. Using wireless Bluetooth connectivity, it can
alert users to a doorbell or smoke detector - or let the wearer known when
coffee is ready.

South Korean group Hyundai meanwhile showed its exoskeleton, known as H-MEX,
that can offer mobility to the handicapped.

It can allow a paraplegic to stand and even walk up stairs, according to
engineer Jung Kyungmo.

The exoskeleton covers the entire spine and back of the legs, attaching at
the waist, thighs and knees. The company has no plans for a consumer version
but is working with hospitals and researchers.

French-based startup Japet introduced its Atlas exoskeleton, or brace, which
takes pressure off the vertebral column for people with chronic back pain,
according to co-founder Damien Bratic.

The brace uses small motors and analytics that can help in rehabilitation.

Read the entire article at:
https://www.ecnmag.com/news/2017/01/emerging-tech-aims-improve-life-handicapped

Links:
BrainRobotics
http://masschallenge.org/startups/2016/profile/brainrobotics

BrainCo
http://brainco.tech/

Orcam MyEye
http://www.orcam.com/myeye

Oticon
https://www.oticon.com

H-MEX - (video 4:34 in Japanese)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfvtLpZ1seA

This smart exoskeleton could help paraplegics walk again (video 1:01)
http://mashable.com/2016/12/21/smart-exoskeleton-paraplegics-walk/#9YPU3xllEsqP

Japet’s Atlas device uses exoskeleton technology to relieve and rehabilitate
  back pain (with video 12:59)
https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/05/japet-atlas

Emerging Tech Aims to Improve Life for Handicapped
https://www.mdtmag.com/news/2017/01/emerging-tech-aims-improve-life-handicapped