Virtual Reality project reaches the finals of AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards 2017

A project that uses Virtual Reality (VR) technology to improve the training for amputees in the use of electronic prosthetic limbs has reached the finals of the AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards 2017.  The project is one of four finalist in the Digital Health category and is one of 32 finalists eligible for public votes in the People’s Award.

The team of researchers, including C3RI’s Ivan Phelan (Researcher in Games Development), has applied technology first developed for VR games to train amputees in a range of everyday kitchen tasks, including turning on taps and slicing up food. This new technology enables researchers, healthcare professionals and amputees alike to see how a new electronic limb will work in real life and to improve its function. The cost-effective training method is intended to provide a more enjoyable experience for amputees and should reduce rejection rates.

Vote for Sheffield Hallam’s Virtual Reality Prosthetics project in the Tech4Good People’s Awards 2017 here and Tweet using the hashtag #T4GSheffieldHallam (voting closes 5pm on Friday 7 July).

In its 6th year, the AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards recognises organisations and individuals who use digital technology to improve the lives of others. Tech4Good awards highlight the wealth of charities, businesses and volunteers across the UK that harness the power of technology to benefit the community and celebrate the hard work that these people put into making the world a better place.

Voting closes on Friday 7 July. Vote here for #T4GSheffieldHallam.