Hollis Pierce, a 38-year-old advocate for individuals with physical disabilities and the head of accessibility and partnerships at Sielo Robotics in Ottawa, recently achieved a personal milestone by taking his first selfie with the assistance of the company’s robotic arm, Arlo. Using a space mouse to control the robotic arm in six directions, Pierce spent about an hour mastering the task, describing the experience as akin to playing a video game with the latest model.
Sielo Robotics, founded at the University of Ottawa, emphasizes user experience in their product development. The company recently secured a million dollars in seed funding, enabling them to accelerate their work. Collaborating with The 8-80 Collaborative, Sielo aims to bring Arlo into homes and communities after further testing.
Rafaël Hébert, the company’s chief technology officer, highlighted the progress made by users like Pierce in utilizing the robotic arm for tasks like taking selfies and performing daily activities. Sielo is focused on addressing the challenge of replicating complex human actions in diverse environments, gathering feedback from users to enhance the product’s adaptability.
Masoud Karimi, the robotics control engineer at Sielo, is working on an AI-enabled system for the robotic arm to automate routine tasks efficiently. The company aims to make their device more affordable and accessible, with plans to introduce it for beta testing in households by the end of the year.
Pierce expressed optimism about the impact of Arlo on future generations, emphasizing the benefits of early access to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. The team at Sielo Robotics continues to innovate, driven by a commitment to enhancing the lives of people with physical challenges.
