Description

• I developed an affordable refreshable Braille display using novel shape memory actuation in team of 2. 

• Refreshable Braille displays are capable of presenting digital content in form of Braille script with help of multiple mini actuators. The main challenge of the project was to develop an actuation technology which not only is cost effective but in comparable to current piezo actuators in functionality.

• I researched on various actuation technologies and tested proof of concepts with many of them. I did multiple design-build-test-modify iterations of functional prototypes to improve the device. The user feedback was integrated at each stage of product development, along with close association with major stakeholders in assistive technology community.

• The device received grant from Wellcome Trust, UK, and Department of Science and Tech, Govt. of India. The technology was transferred to Phoenix Medical Systems, Chennai and Kritikal Solutions, Delhi.

Awards

• Yi Young Innovator Award, India Innovation Initiative (i3) 2012, Delhi, India

• IIT Class of ‘89 Innovation Award 2012 (Winner), Delhi, India

• ASME Innovation Showcase 2012 (Semi-Finalist), Montreal, Canada

• Technology Development Project Initiation Award 2012, Industrial R&D Unit, IIT Delhi

• ASME Design Competition in Rehabilitation & Assistive Devices 2012 (Runner-up), Puerto Rico, USA

• Mahindra Satyam Mechatronics Young Engineer Award 2011 (Runner-up), Bangalore, India