Hollis Pierce, a leading figure at Sielo Robotics in Ottawa, achieved a significant milestone by capturing his first selfie with the help of the company’s innovative assistive robotic arm, Arlo. Pierce, who is a staunch advocate for individuals with physical disabilities and utilizes a powered wheelchair, expressed his excitement at finally being able to take a selfie at the age of 38, a task he had never done before.
Sielo Robotics, a company born out of the University of Ottawa, places a strong emphasis on incorporating insights from individuals with firsthand experience into their product development process. Recently securing a million-dollar seed funding boost in May, the company is poised to accelerate its work, aiming to bring Arlo into households and communities in the near future.
Pierce, who plays a pivotal role in testing Sielo’s robotic arm, highlighted the transformative potential of Arlo for individuals with disabilities, citing its ability to address essential daily needs with ease and efficiency. Rafaël Hébert, the company’s chief technology officer, expressed optimism about the progress made by users like Pierce, noting the diverse ways in which individuals interact with the technology to perform tasks tailored to their unique requirements.
The team at Sielo Robotics, including Masoud Karimi, a robotics control engineer, is actively developing an AI-driven system to enhance the arm’s functionality, enabling it to autonomously carry out complex tasks that pose challenges for individuals with disabilities. With a strong commitment to affordability and accessibility, the company aims to make its technology widely available and covered by insurance, catering to a diverse range of users.
Laila Burns, the chief revenue officer at Sielo Robotics, shared her enthusiasm for the future rollout of Arlo, envisioning a scenario where the robotic arm becomes a valuable asset in homes across the globe. As the company continues to evolve and refine its technology, individuals like Pierce are optimistic about the positive impact Arlo could have on future generations of individuals with disabilities.