CYBATHLON 2024

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WHL / Wheelchair Race

BCIT MAKE+

CanadaCanada

About the Team

The British Columbia Institute of Technology MAKE+ applied research group makes lives better through creative solutions driven by interdisciplinary applied research.

For the MAKE+ Team, participating in the CYBATHLON aligns perfectly with their mission and expertise. Dr. Borisoff, a former Canadian Research Chair in Rehabilitation Engineering Design at BCIT, and current Director of the MAKE+ applied research group, has devoted his career to improving accessibility and mobility for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). His research focuses on improving lives through dynamic wheeled mobility, adapted exercise machines, and other assistive technologies. Garrett Kryt designs power-assist wheelchair systems using innovative interfaces, while Rory Dougall and Joe Newton bring expertise in prototype fabrication and technical leadership. Their efforts are supported by students and other MAKE+ researchers dedicated to advancing assistive technologies.

With their sights set on the wheelchair race, the MAKE+ Team aims to showcase innovative advancements in mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities.

About the Pilot

Dr. Jaimie Borisoff is a former Canada Research Chair in Rehabilitation Engineering Design and is currently the Director of BCIT applied research group MAKE+. Dr. Borisoff focuses on improving accessibility and mobility for people with SCI through dynamic wheeled mobility and rehabilitation engineering design. He envisions merging relatively simple current wheelchair functions with advanced technologies like robotics.

About the Device

Our device has a form loosely based on current products like a manual “Elevation” wheelchair combined with a powered “front-end” attachment that turns the chair into a long-wheelbase, yet maneuverable, 3-wheeled device with elevating seating. We have also incorporated very powerful rear-wheel motors and knobby tires to be able to tackle rough terrains like sandy beaches, snowy hills, and off-road trails. Finally, an extendable wheelbase enables our device to lengthen even further, changing the centre of gravity and improving traction and stability such that we can climb stairs.

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