Rubber Linear Actuators

BRTS Students: Julian Galarza, MBA Class 2024, Joshua Debel, MBA Class 2024

BRTS technologies: Phd. Ronald Heisser

Could you tell us about the technology?
Have you ever considered the experience of a blind person accessing the internet or receiving updates on delayed trains while traveling underground? This is precisely the focus of Ronald's work - a groundbreaking idea aimed at aiding blind individuals by replacing traditional braille books with a more efficient and practical device for reading and receiving information.

The concept involves replacing the cumbersome braille books, often hundreds of pages long, with a portable device that functions similar to a tablet. The device is equipped with thousands of pins that rapidly change their form, allowing the reader (a blind person) to receive information by running their hand over the pages and feeling the various pins. Ultimately, this innovative solution seeks to provide blind individuals with faster and more convenient access to information.

What were the most valuable aspects of your experience with the Big Red Tech Strategy?
Working with Ronald and other MBAs on this project offered a valuable opportunity to witness innovation and problem-solving at its finest. Witnessing Ronald's vision for a portable device that would revolutionize the way blind individuals access information was truly inspiring. Collaborating with other MBAs brought diverse perspectives to the table and allowed for creative problem-solving. Overall, the project was a unique and valuable learning experience that highlighted the importance of innovation and accessibility in technology.

What advice would you give to other students considering participating in BRTS?
If you're considering participating in similar projects, choose something that aligns with your interests and values, be open to learning, communicate effectively, stay organized, and embrace collaboration. Participating in a project can be a great way to gain experience, learn new skills, and make a positive impact. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a successful project outcome while also enjoying the process.

Sharper Sense

BRTS Students: Jindu, Chloe, Marcus, Natalia - MBA Class 2024

BRTS technologies: Phd. Charles Rodenkirch

Could you tell us about the technology?
Sharper Sense is a wearable neurotechnology that improves vision, hearing, and touch by enhancing the accuracy of sensory perception. This technology addresses various factors that can dull the senses, such as aging, fatigue, injuries, and neurological disorders. Impaired sensory processing reduces sensory acuity, increases the likelihood of misperceptions, hinders understanding of written or spoken words, and raises the risk of injury. Age-related sensory loss is closely associated with accelerated dementia and an increased risk of falls. The combined effects of impaired senses often lead to depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.

What were the most valuable aspects of your experience with the Big Red Tech Strategy?
I'm fascinated by this invention—it sounds like something out of science fiction, and it has the potential to solve numerous problems. I particularly enjoyed brainstorming with the team possible applications of this technology. Another valuable aspect was having access to real customer interviews, which provided valuable insights that we could use to develop customer personas. Additionally, my team was very diverse and I found it fascinating how every member approached the problem from different angles.

What advice would you give to other students considering participating in BRTS?
I would encourage you to give it a try. Cornell is home to numerous brilliant inventions, and participating in BRTS provides an opportunity to learn something new and challenge yourself. Furthermore, dive deeper into understanding the technology, including how it works, its use cases, limitations. If you are able to explain it to others, this can greatly facilitate finding solutions for it. Finally, I advise prioritizing action over perfection as at initial stages requirements might change, try and fail fast, adapt to the changes and be action biased.