Hollis Pierce, a representative for individuals with physical disabilities and head of accessibility and partnerships at Sielo Robotics in Ottawa, recently achieved a personal milestone by capturing his first selfie. Using the company’s assistive robotic arm named Arlo, Pierce successfully operated the device with a space mouse, enabling him to take the selfie after some initial challenges.
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, accelerating their progress. Laila Burns, the chief revenue officer, highlighted the community support that has propelled their work forward without traditional venture capital backing.
The collaboration between Sielo Robotics and The 8-80 Collaborative aims to bring Arlo into homes and communities. Pierce, impressed by the arm’s capabilities, envisions it as a vital tool for individuals like him, simplifying daily tasks without the need for constant assistance.
Rafaël Hébert, the chief technology officer at Sielo Robotics, expressed optimism witnessing users like Pierce effectively utilizing the robotic arm for various tasks. The company’s focus on creating an affordable and insurance-covered device sets them apart in the market.
With the recent funding boost, Sielo Robotics is gearing up to introduce their robotic arms for beta testing in households soon. Pierce, who continues to refine his selfie-taking skills with Arlo, looks forward to the transformative impact this technology can have on future generations, especially children with disabilities.
