We’re supporting TOM:Melbourne

We’re supporting TOM:Melbourne

Created on 2017-09-13 01:30

Published on 2017-09-13 01:36

This December, TOM: Melbourne will make a difference and collaborate with the tech community in one of the most exciting, creative and innovative experiences of a lifetime.TOM (Tikkun Olam Makers), is a global non-profit movement bringing together people with disabilities and Makers to develop open source assistive technology to address everyday challenges. 

After it’s successful debut in 2016, TOM: Melbourne is back for a second year this December 1-3. TOM: Melbourne will be a three-day marathon of making in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, to develop affordable, assistive technology that addresses the needs of people with disabilities.

Teams of Makers - engineers, product designers, innovators and problem solvers, will be connected with Need Knowers - individuals with a deep understanding of a specific disability or challenge, to develop hardware and software prototypes.

TOM is calling on the community to volunteer and join a group of talented individuals for three amazing days to experience how tinkering and technology can impact lives.

TOM drives assistive technology innovation through the making of affordable open source, public domain solutions to local community real-world challenges. 

In collaboration with communities, organisations, and corporations worldwide, TOM brings together social activism, open innovation, and open source to work directly with people in need to address areas where market forces fail.

TOM inspires the tech community to use their skills for good and make a positive impact.

TOM is a proud start-up of the Reut Group, an Israeli non-profit, nonpartisan innovative policy and strategy group courageously pursuing a 10-year vision to positively impact the lives of 250 Million people worldwide. TOM launched in late 2013, giving birth to a global movement of Makers.

The TOM movement is growing rapidly with over 20 makeathons so far all around the globe including: Tel Aviv, Buenos Aires, San Francisco, Ho Chi Minh City, Argentina, Washington DC, Sao Paulo, New York, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Vietnam and Melbourne Australia.

Last year’s TOM: Melbourne success stories include:

- A portable ramp to independently navigate a wheelchair and unlock a dream of travel

- A modified bike to suit restricted movements with a custom electric motor, thigh operated front brake, three gears for pedaling and foot operated rear brakes.

  • A joystick interface device to assist with limited move-ability and visual impairment.

  • A pressure sensing matrix mat for a wheelchair, containing 64 handmade, hand sewn sensors!.

  • A modular PS4 controller featuring a specially designed tray with large buttons, a head switch and customisable joysticks.

  • A robotic wheelchair head rest to provide lateral support with adjustable pivot points.

  • A portable bracelet to restrict uncontrollable tremors. 

This year, Telstra Labs is getting behind this movement. Hope you can get involved too

aus.tomglobal.org