In the finals of the “Polish Invention 2014” competition, the wheelchair fitted with a computer that can integrate with external devices (e.g. it can control household appliances or lifts) turned out victorious. The vehicle was co-designed by Patryk Arłamowski, a graduate of Wrocław University of Technology.
The competition was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Polish Television. It was held for the second time. The prize for the winner is 50 000 PLN.
Only projects that were innovative, pioneering and with economic potential could qualify for the finals. On Monday, the projects were presented before the competition jury, which was broadcast by the Polish Television Channel 1. But the final decision on awarding the title of “Polish Innovation 2014” was taken by televiewers that voted for the best invention in their opinion.
The smart wheelchair, designed and built by Patryk Arłamowski and Kamila Rudnicka, turned out to be the winner.
As we can read on the competition website, the wheelchair is fitted with a special computer that integrates with external devices. It can be adapted to the type of disability and individual traits of the user. It can control household appliances and other devices available in the public space, such as lifts. It also allows to call for help when needed. What’s important is that it is affordable to Polish disabled persons.
Patryk Arłamowski is a Wrocław University of Technology graduate. He is a specialist in engineering, control engineering, and economy. Before turning 25, he had already introduced onto the market over 20 innovative products and services, mainly in the area of smart buildings. Kamila Rudnicka is a Wrocław University of Technology student at the Electronics and Telecommunications field of study and author e.g. of the “eFakturomat” (a device for automatic printing of invoices).
Among the projects that qualified for the finals there were e.g.: a femtosecond terawatt laser, an automatic biodetector of general toxicity of water, and the SPINCAR – a car of the future than can spin on the spot.
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Translation: Dariusz Więcławski
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