Pooja Viswanathan : In the world of technology and innovation, there are individuals whose passion and dedication lead them to make profound contributions that transform lives. Dr. Pooja Viswanathan, the Co-founder and CEO of Braze Mobility Inc., is one such trailblazer whose journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Her story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and using expertise to drive positive change.
Early Years and the Birth of Pooja Viswanathan
Pooja’s journey into the realm of assistive technologies began in 2006 when she joined the Intelligent Assistive Technology and Systems Lab (IATSL) at the University of Toronto.
It was here that she encountered a pivotal moment, one that would set the course for her life’s work. Drs. Geoff Fernie and Rosalie Wang introduced her to a project focused on developing an anti-collision wheelchair. The aim was to address the exclusion of older adults with dementia from powered mobility, a pressing issue in long-term care facilities.
Visiting one of these facilities with her supervisor, Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Pooja Viswanathan witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by residents who lacked the strength to self-propel manual wheelchairs, and whose access to powered mobility was restricted due to safety concerns.
The statistics were alarming—60-80% of residents had dementia, yet there was a dearth of research on safe powered wheelchair use for this demographic.
Innovative Solutions and the Role of Wizardry
Pooja’s journey at IATSL involved exploring and refining solutions to this complex problem. One intriguing concept was the “bumper skirt,” a set of panels surrounding the wheelchair that could stop it upon contact with an obstacle, requiring minimal force.
Another innovation by Pooja Viswanathan was the haptic joystick, which used motors to prevent users from directing the joystick toward obstacles, coupled with feedback mechanisms to guide users towards open spaces.
This system was even tested using the “Wizard of OZ” paradigm, where a human “wizard” operated the obstacle detection system behind the scenes, a method championed by usability expert Dr. Jeff Kelley.
While these solutions showed promise, Pooja’s research journey was marked by a transition to non-contact sensors, such as infrared technology. However, these sensors posed challenges in direct sunlight, prompting her to explore stereo-vision sensors. These sensors not only determined proximity but also created maps from visual landmarks, a groundbreaking development in smart wheelchair technology.
Pooja’s expertise grew as she delved into computer vision, artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, and human-computer interaction, culminating in a trans-disciplinary PhD dissertation.
The Braze Mobility Revolution
Today, Pooja Viswanathan is at the forefront of revolutionizing accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. As the CEO of Braze Mobility Inc., she is commercializing obstacle detection systems that transform conventional wheelchairs into “smart” wheelchairs. These innovations are not only preventing collisions but also offering wayfinding assistance, enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals.
Awards, Achievements, and Beyond
Pooja’s remarkable journey has not gone unnoticed. Pooja Viswanathan has received numerous awards and scholarships from prestigious organizations, including Google Scholar awards, the Ontario Brain Institute, and the AGE-WELL Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE), totaling over $325,000.
Her commitment to knowledge translation and commercialization has made her a sought-after consultant for Canadian networks and organizations.
Beyond her professional achievements, Pooja Viswanathan is a multifaceted individual. When not immersed in her work, she enjoys rock climbing, teaching music, engaging in racquet sports, and solving escape rooms.
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