MUNICH, July 9, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The European Patent Office (EPO) today awarded the
Tunisian team comprising Khaoula Ben Ahmed, Ghofrane Ayari,
Souleima Ben Temime, and Sirine
Ayari third place in the Young Inventors Prize at the
European Inventor Award 2024. The team received a prize of
5,000 EUR for their pioneering work
on a smart wheelchair control system that significantly improves
mobility for the disabled. The team from Tunisia was one of three finalists, with Dutch
scientist Rochelle Niemeijer taking
first place and winning 20,000 EUR
and Ukrainian inventor Valentyn Frechka securing second place and
10,000 EUR.
The team's invention, MOOVOBRAIN, empowers users with disabilities
to control wheelchairs using brain signals and voice commands,
enhancing their independence and mobility. This technology not only
signifies a major leap in assistive devices but also reflects
the team's commitment to inclusivity and innovation in medical
technology.
"Winning a place in the Young Inventors Prize is a dream come
true for all of us. We are deeply humbled and incredibly grateful
for this honour. This recognition is not just an achievement for
our team, but a testament to the power of collaboration,
perseverance, and passion," say the team. "It inspires us to
keep pushing boundaries and to continue making a positive impact
through innovation to change the life of people with disabilities
around the world."
The smart control system developed by the team uses sensors and
software that interpret the user's gestures, allowing for precise
and intuitive wheelchair navigation. This technological advancement
is particularly vital in environments where joystick or button
controls may be cumbersome or inaccessible. Motivated to help by
alarming World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, which estimate
that approximately 80 million people globally may require
wheelchairs, the team is working hard to address this growing
need.
Khaoula Ben Ahmed encourages persistence and passion in pursuit
of technological advancements, especially for women and girls in
STEM; "For women and girls out there, just don't give up. You
need to have an internal motivation to continue, so find it before
you start. It helps when you have a reason for doing what you are
doing. Once you have an internal motivation, nothing will stop you
after that."
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