Introduction
“Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.” Good things emerge out of empathy. Things that are generally overlooked seem essential when looked through the lens of empathy. When the learners of Grade 8 came across this proverb on the internet, they signed up to work on a challenge. A challenge to overcome a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system thereby the complete body - Parkinson’s Disease.
Problem statement
Affecting approximately 3,00,000 to 6,00,000 people in India, the prevalence rate of Parkinson’s disease is about 70-100 per 100,000 people, with higher rates in older populations. The young mids of Keystone set about to innovate an assistive technology to overcome the disease.
Solution: A flicker of optimism
“To implement, imagination comes before planning.” Good things spring up out of good habits. Habits such as surfing the internet when put to leverage can help in drawing inspiration from random quotes. Grade 8 learners drew some of it. They imagined a device that helped people to counter the disease using programmed Arduino with servo motors. They brought their imagination to life in the form of GripTek- a flicker of optimism to conquer Parkinson’s.
The Prototype
Unique features
Ensuring effortless operation through its intuitive design and customizable options, GripTek caters to diverse needs. GripTek guarantees long-term reliability due to its high-quality material. With seamless performance tailored to the requirements of the customer, GripTek boasts of being cost-effective as well.
Development Process
From empathizing with the disorder to imagining the solution, from researching the severity of the problem to designing the solution, from failing to use technology to understand the plausible tech, learners sailed through experiences of innovation and growth, forging a path towards impactful solutions. Learners hopped onto a bus, visited Home for Disabled and gained invaluable insights into the requirements of their target consumers and comprehended the intricacies of their device's functionalities.
Learners understanding various sensors to convert ideas into designs.
Impact and Community Transformation
When hope meets inspiration, it molds distress into resilience, transforms challenges into opportunities, and illuminates the path towards optimism. GripTek aims to let people know a way to come out of grief and affliction. By sowing the seed of independence in others, this ingenious tech inspires people to quell disorders of this kind.
Ideation, Design & Prototype
The idea demanded that the learners know the functioning of their limbs and the working of prosthetics. They designed their ideas and brought them to life.
Future plans:
They plan to: Bluetooth Integration: Imagine connecting the device to a smartphone app, enhancing its functionality and accessibility.
Mobility: Imagine a hand on wheels that gets you a glass of water to your bed.
Software updates: To incorporate cutting-edge sensor technology to enhance the arm's responsiveness and control, providing more accurate and intuitive movements that closely emulate natural arm and hand motions.
Conclusion:
In the pursuit of alleviating the burdens of Parkinson's disease, the journey of the Grade 8 learners at Keystone exemplifies the transformative power of empathy, innovation, and perseverance. From humble beginnings sparked by a simple proverb, their creation, GripTek, stands as a beacon of hope and possibility. By nurturing self-reliance and instilling a sense of achievement, GripTek offers practical assistance and symbolizes a collective commitment to overcoming adversity with compassion and ingenuity. As they continue to refine and expand their invention, the learners embody the ethos that even the smallest flicker of optimism can ignite profound change, one person at a time.
Join us as we empower the challenged, one step at a time!
The Idea Loom — A project approach, designed and developed by Srilakshmi Reddy, Founder and Director of Keystone Education Group, guides students in understanding community challenges, designing solutions, and implementing prototypes to address real-world issues
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