On Saturday Feb 3rd, I was involved in presenting an amazing event called A Robotic Walking Café Scientifique Event at TELUS Spark in Calgary.
What is a Café Scientifique?
It is a place where you can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. It is an opportunity for discussion of current work and interesting scientific issues.Café Scientifique’s are informal and accessible.
Our Event on Saturday was Fantastic! Over 150 people came to see robotic devices in action. I showcased walking in my Trexo Robotics walking device and chatted with many of the attendees. Families were excited to learn about how these devices could help people with physical disabilities.
At the Telus SPARK, we set up different information stations. There was a station where scientists were able to explain the studies that have been done to see impacts of training programs with and without the use of robotic devices. Another station, offered prescreen individuals, the opportunity to try different robotic devices.
It was cool to see kids out of their wheelchairs, able to walk independently, with the use of a robotic device. I was highlighted as a “users” and I walked all around the event in my Trexo. I did 4000 steps!
CTV news even filmed the event
See the CTV News video
This event was made possible through University of Calgary, the PONI Lab, Canadian Institute of Heath Research, Restore Network, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, Trexo Robotics, Bionic Power and CP Kids & Families.
It was fun to see so many people getting as excited about robotic walking as I am. I hope I’m able to help with more of these awesome events in the future.