Bionics for the world
Co-Creation Challenges
2023.10.18
Corporation
| Name of team | Kawatek |
|---|---|
| Our Partner | カワテック株式会社 |
Country or countries of your activity
Colombia, Bolivia, Ukraine, Latin American Countries, African Countries, Developing Countries, Japan
Themes of Activity
Children, child-rearing, education, next-generation development
Science and technology, biotechnology
Health and medical care (life science, health care)
Diversity and inclusiveness
Robots, AI
Society 5.0
Human rights
Our Co-Creation Challenge
Introducing our Co-Creation Challenge for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, centered around the theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives". Our challenge is driven by the belief that full inclusion is paramount in realizing the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring that no one is left behind. To truly leave no one behind, universal access to assistive technology is indispensable. With 1.3 billion people, constituting 16% of the global population, experiencing significant disabilities, it is crucial to address the disparities they face. Despite having the same right to the highest attainable standard of health, individuals with disabilities continue to suffer from premature mortality and poorer health outcomes compared to others. These inequalities persist worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and among those facing additional discrimination based on gender or origin. The lack of access to assistive technology plays a pivotal role in perpetuating these health inequities. Failure to deliver assistive technology integrated into quality healthcare leads to adverse health outcomes and social and economic exclusion. Recent reports from reputable organizations like the WHO and UNICEF have emphasized that achieving Universal Health Coverage, a key Sustainable Development Goal, hinges on urgently bridging the health gap experienced by persons with disabilities and providing them with access to assistive technology.
Bionics is the science of creating artificial systems or devices that can work as parts of living organisms: The science of bionics has revolutionized prosthetics research. Fewer examples. Bionics may make it possible to replace eyes, ears, lungs, hearts and even brains.
Advancements in bionic technologies hold immense potential to transform disabilities and usher in a new era of human evolution. By challenging stereotypes and fostering competition, these technologies can reshape societal perceptions towards individuals with physical disabilities and foster a more inclusive society.
To contribute towards this vision, our project aims to develop bionic systems that are accessible to over 50 million individuals worldwide who require them. Through this Co-Creation Challenge, we are dedicated to providing bionic solutions that are accessible to everyone, ensuring a future where no one is left behind.
Some of the Activities proposed:
1. Hackathon or Design Sprint: Organize an event where participants collaborate to develop bionic systems that are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This event encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving.
2. Research on neccesities and Impact: Conduct research to understand the impact of bionic technologies on individuals with disabilities and their communities. This research can provide valuable insights for further advancements in the field.
Development of initiatives
| Methods and Areas for Future Development | Methods for Future Development: Collaborative research and development with individuals with disabilities to ensure that bionic systems meet their needs and preferences: This method involves working closely with individuals with disabilities to understand their unique needs and preferences, and incorporating their feedback into the design and development of bionic systems. This approach ensures that bionic systems are tailored to the specific needs of users, resulting in more effective and user-friendly technologies. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics to enhance the capabilities of bionic systems: This method involves leveraging advanced technologies to enhance the functionality of bionic systems. For example, machine learning algorithms can be used to improve the accuracy and precision of bionic systems, while robotics can be used to create more sophisticated and versatile prosthetic limbs. Developing more affordable and accessible bionic systems by leveraging open-source hardware and software platforms: This method involves using open-source hardware and software platforms to reduce the cost of developing and manufacturing bionic systems. By making the technology more affordable and accessible, more people can benefit from these life-changing technologies. Conducting clinical trials and testing to ensure the safety and efficacy of bionic systems: This method involves rigorous testing and evaluation of bionic systems to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Clinical trials are essential for identifying potential risks and side effects, as well as determining the optimal use cases for bionic systems. Areas: Smart Bionics and rehabilitation |
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| People who wish to work with | We would like to collaborate with individuals with disabilities, health professionals (including rehabilitation specialists, prosthetists, and orthotists, doctors, etc.), engineers from different areas (mechatronics, software, electronics, mechanics, biomedical, etc.), companies interested in supporting the project, and professional associations. We believe that by bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, we can develop innovative and inclusive bionic systems that truly meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. |
Our SDGs
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