“Our best work is measured in more than a mark” – Biomedical engineering students on track to achieve impact

Students have begun work with Freedom Solutions to solve problems faced by people with disabilities, with projects ranging from more accessible sporting equipment to an eye-tracking device for automatic doors.

While most people struggle with the question of what to do after high school, it was always an easy choice for RMIT student Laiba Ashraf Khatri.

“I was exploring degrees that combined healthcare with technical expertise, as the idea of enhancing people’s quality of life through technology really captured my attention,” she said.

“That’s when I discovered biomedical engineering, a field I hadn’t previously heard of but immediately resonated with.”

As part of RMIT's Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering), Laiba and her fellow classmates Lochlann Sacco and Will Ardizzon learn the theory and practice of designing medical devices for people affected by health conditions.

It is a dream come true for Will, who grew up with a penchant for building complex structures, be it out of Lego or the humble cardboard boxes it came in.

“I was always a box-construction kid at kindergarten, then one of the ‘maths kids’ at primary school,” said Will.

My teachers, family and friends all played important roles in supporting my studies and interests, as well as encouraging the path that I wanted to follow.

This path has taken an exciting turn in recent months as the students have embarked on a year-long project with industry partner Freedom Solutions, which will see them develop assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities.

Will’s passion for engineering was clear from a young age.

Improving quality of life through innovative design

Inspired by a personal love of scuba diving, Lochlann and his team are designing an adaptive wetsuit for scuba divers with lower limb paralysis.

“The design is aimed at helping people explore our planet. Our world is mostly water, and diving, in my opinion at least, is the best way to see it,” said Lochlann.

The group has built on the existing technology on the market to create a wetsuit that allows for increased arm propulsion from a single movement, helping divers unlock new depths.

“With our design, more people will be able to see and experience more things,” said Lochlann.

Laiba’s team has come up with a new tennis ball for blind players.

Laiba’s team is in the early stages of designing a tennis ball that enhances the game for blind players.

The ball will include a more consistent bounce, louder sound mechanism and Bluetooth integration, assisting players in tracking its movements more readily.

“Our focus is on improving functionality and making the game more accessible and enjoyable,” said Laiba.

“Ultimately, we want users to feel excited and empowered.”

Program Coordinator, Associate Professor David Garrett, said that he is amazed by the students’ ingenuity and the level of care and attention they have put into their designs.

“The students have really connected with the brief, and the mission of Freedom Solutions more broadly.

It is inspiring to see them take the lead on the research, ideation and design of these products, constantly reflecting on the needs of the end user in the process – which is an important skill for biomedical engineers to have.

The students will develop prototypes early next year, which they will later test in the community.

Industry engagement gives students a taste of real-life work

Will, whose team is developing an automatic door for people in wheelchairs that uses eye-tracking technology, has found the project valuable in bridging the gap between the theoretical and practical elements of his degree.

“It’s one thing to study the techniques and the technology in lectures, but it’s an entirely different ball game to actually sit down and do something like designing this eye trigger for automatic doors,” said Will.

“I feel like it provides real-world experiences while also helping improve teamwork and individual skills and character.”

Will and his team.

Lochlann agreed, noting that the work has real stakes attached to it, which is preparing him to enter the workforce.

“Sitting in a team of four, with the full responsibility to build and work, has made us feel like real engineers, managing our time and reaching out to real people,” he said.

“Doing our best work is measured in more than a mark – there is a level of tangibility.”

Associate Professor Garrett said that students will also benefit from a range of resources and opportunities provided by the industry partner Freedom Solutions.

“The students will collaborate closely with Freedom Solutions throughout the project. In particular, meeting with some of the staff early on has helped the students refine their ideas and gain a deeper appreciation for how biomedical engineering can change lives,” said Associate Professor Garrett.

“Freedom Solutions’ support will be invaluable as we progress into next year, ensuring we create a high-quality, innovative final product,” said Labia.

Find out more about the Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) at RMIT.

26 September 2024

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“Our best work is measured in more than a mark” – Biomedical engineering students on track to achieve impact