We expect devices that help enhance user’s mobility and independence through sensing and dynamically responding to one or more of the following:
- The user’s desired intentions
- The user’s environment, proactively navigating space and managing risks
- The user’s body and residual body function, supporting neurorehabilitation and the management of the user’s health and wellbeing
- The useage of the device in order to improve its functional parameters
The Mobility Unlimited Challenge seeks to incentivize innovation and attract innovators from different fields, as well as motivate existing innovators in the assistive technology space.
The final Prize will be awarded to the prototype device that best meets the Challenge’s aims as set out in the challenge statement.
The following are examples of the types of entries that the Challenge could receive:
- An autonomous powered wheelchair that can detect holes, curbs and obstacles in the environment and respond automatically to avoid crashes or falls.
- A device (or software patch) that can be attached to a wheelchair to monitor the user’s body and activity. Generating data on user’s body that can be used to support their wellbeing and continued independence as well as configure the wheelchairs functionality to deliver improved functionality e.g. longer battery life.
- A powered lower-limb orthotic brace that monitors the user’s power input and varies the power assistance it provides in line with the user’s need, maximizing the use of the user’s body and residual body function.
- A robotic exoskeleton device that contains an in-built fall detection and prevention mechanism.
- A wheelchair that reads and responds to the user’s intention.
- A robotic exoskeleton device that provides smooth and fluid motion by monitoring the environment and the user’s body with a higher level of accuracy than was previously possible.
- A device that has not yet been created that could replace the wheelchair as a daily mobility device.
We are looking for the mobility solutions of the future - devices that make people’s lives better by bringing leading, intelligent technology to assistive mobility devices.
These devices should be co-created with the devices intended users to ensure that devices are meeting the needs and wants of people with lower-limb paralysis.
This section outlines the criteria by which applications will be assessed and judged throughout the challenge process.
When selecting the Discovery Awardees and the Finalists, entrants will be assessed and selected on the basis of their potential against the judging criteria.
When the winner is selected, Finalists will have to demonstrate how they meet the judging Criteria.
There are 5 judging Criteria and the information provided below aims to help entrants understand the judges’ expectations.
Criterion 1 - Innovation
The entry should be new or innovative, incorporating intelligent system(s) to support and deliver improved personal mobility and independence to the user.
What judges will be looking for:
- Devices or products that demonstrate a new or adaptive way of utilizing intelligent system(s) to deliver improved mobility and independence to people with lower-limb paralysis.
- Devices or products which plug-in or add on to existing mobility device(s) demonstrating a new or adaptive way of utilizing intelligent system(s) to deliver improved mobility and independence to people with lower-limb paralysis.
- Entries which are significantly different from what is already available. New, aspirational, exciting, but practical.
Criterion 2 - Insight and Impact
The entrant should demonstrate a real understanding of the wants and needs of people with lower-limb paralysis in relation to their mobility and independence and the challenges they face. The entrant should be able to demonstrate how their entry delivers improvements in the user’s mobility and independence in comparison to products and devices currently on the market. The entrant should be able to demonstrate the extent to which their entry has been co-created with users.
What judges will be looking for:
- Evidence that the entrant understands the issues and priorities of people with lower-limb paralysis (potential users), in relation to their mobility and independence.
- Entries that will support meaningful improvement in the everyday mobility of people with lower-limb paralysis. Entry addresses specific needs and is likely to make a real difference to the mobility and independence of the users.
- Evidence of how the entrant has developed their entry through meaningful engagement with, and involvement of, people with lower-limb paralysis who are representative of the eventual users.
Criterion 3 - Functionality and Usability
The entrants should be able to demonstrate how their entry delivers measureable improvements in the functionality required by users while being comfortable and easy to use. The entry should also be attractive and enjoyable to use.
What judges will be looking for:
Entries that deliver measureable improvements in functionality, improvements which reflect what is desired or required by the people with lower-limb paralysis.
High-quality user experience - entries that are comfortable, easy and enjoyable to use.
Criterion 4 - Quality and Safety
Entrants should demonstrate that their entry is reliable and of high quality as well as how it will meet, or exceed, the relevant safety measures and ethical considerations. The entrant must demonstrate that intelligent system(s) incorporated into their entry are secure and resistant to malfunctions.
What judges will be looking for:
- Entries that demonstrate reliability and durability through user testing
- Entries that adhere to robust safety measures
- Entrants have considered how their entry will protect the privacy and security of the user, for example in relation to data collected or generated
Criterion 5 - Market Potential and Affordability
Entrants should demonstrate a route to market with consideration given to how their entry will be manufactured, marketed and eventually scaled. Consideration should be given to the cost to the consumer and how it can be made financially accessible to a wider user group.
What judges will be looking for:
- A clearly articulated business plan that sets out the path from prototype to a product which is widely available to users and has long term market viability
- How financially accessible the entry will be for its target audience
Entries to the Challenge will be assessed against our judging criteria, which have been designed to allow us to compare and assess what could very different devices. This will ensure that the selection process is fair and that we are choosing the right teams and devices that will support the aim of the Challenge.
When selecting the discovery awardees and the Finalists, entrants were assessed and selected on the basis of their potential against the judging criteria.
When the winner is selected, Finalists will have to demonstrate how they meet the judging criteria. This will involve written submission and practical demonstrations.
Every submission will be assessed and our independent judging panel will select awardees at each stage from the strongest in the field.
