Designed for me: Assistive technologies to fit every body

Designing personal wearable technologies to fit all abilities.

Assistive technologies, such as braille displays or smart mobility devices like wheelchairs, can significantly improve the quality of life of people living with disabilities.

However, despite the growing need, these tools aren’t always fit for purpose, and people tend to stop using their devices over time. A major factor of technology abandonment is that the system doesn’t match the user’s individual needs. For example, a person who has involuntary movements may prefer to use a smartphone using hand movements instead of touch.

Award-winning researcher Anusha explores wearable assistive technologies that are personalised, rather than mass produced. His aim is to shift toward next generation assistive technologies, which blend seamlessly with the human body.

Bio

Dr Anusha Withana is an ARC DECRA fellow and a senior lecturer at the School of Computer Science at the University of Sydney, where he leads the AID-LAB. Anusha works on human-computer interaction (HCI), focusing on creating personalised enabling technologies. His aim is to develop technology that harmonises with users and the environment. Anusha has won numerous awards, including the Most Innovative Engineers in Australia 2020 Award and Most Promising Technology Award at Innovfest unBound 2016. His research has also featured on CNN, Discovery TV, SBS, Straits Times, Gizmodo and Engadget.

Also speaking at Brix Distillers at 6:00PM is Lauren Branson

About the venue - Brix Distillers

Located on Bourke Street, in the heart of Sydney's Surry Hills, Brix Distillers' 'Home of Rum' is front and centre for everything Brix produces.  

Their Distillery Bar is not only home to their beautiful 1800LT copper still 'Molly', but it offers a unique opportunity for you to see their rum-making process up close and personal.

Stop by for a drink & a bite to eat at the bar, join Brix for one of their rum nights or book an amazing Rum Experience such as a distillery tour, cocktail making class or rum spicing class.