The Pride of Education

Technology that opens more possibilities

People with disabilities deserve access to education, meaningful work and tools that support independence. AIET is saving and planning further investment in a robotics and computing laboratory, with assistive technology as a central research goal.

Our direction

We aim to explore muscle and sensor controlled robotic arms, mobility and leg support, navigation and reading tools for blind people, and visual or vibration based communication tools for deaf people. We want people with disabilities to help shape the designs from the beginning.

This is a development plan. Equipment will be acquired in stages as funding allows. Devices intended for use by people will require qualified specialist involvement, safety testing and the appropriate approvals before use.

A laboratory built for practical research

The equipment below describes the capabilities we plan to develop. Each project will need its own design, budget and equipment specification.

Computing and artificial intelligence

Multicore Intel Core or AMD Ryzen workstations; dedicated NVIDIA RTX graphics cards for compatible GPU workloads; ample memory and NVMe storage; monitors, cooling, suitable power supplies, backups, networking and uninterruptible power supplies.

Controllers and embedded computing

Arduino development boards, Raspberry Pi computers, ESP32 and STM32 microcontrollers, edge AI development kits, communication modules and independent safety controllers.

Sensors and accessible interfaces

Research EMG muscle sensors, motion sensors, encoders, force and pressure sensors, load cells, distance sensors, depth cameras, microphones, tactile switches, vibration motors and accessible input devices.

Movement and mechanical systems

Servo, DC, brushless and stepper motors; motor drivers, gearboxes, bearings, linear rails, belts, lead screws, grippers and carefully designed mechanical supports.

Power and safety

Bench power supplies, voltage regulators, protected batteries, battery management systems, chargers, fuses, emergency stops, limit switches, protective guards and interlocks.

Electronics design and testing

Breadboards, circuit boards, connectors and cables; soldering and rework stations with extraction; crimping tools, multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analysers and electrostatic protection.

Prototyping and production

3D printers, suitable CNC machining equipment, drill presses, guarded cutting equipment, hand tools, measuring instruments, assembly fixtures and materials selected for each design.

Software and quality assurance

CAD and PCB design tools, robotics simulation, ROS 2, Python and C++; test rigs, calibrated instruments, component traceability, inspection records and controlled assembly procedures.

Learn, contribute and collaborate

Our intended approach brings computing, electrical engineering and artisan skills together. Students, disability organisations, engineers and qualified rehabilitation professionals can help turn useful ideas into carefully tested projects.

Contact AIET about collaboration or explore our programmes.