Swinburne to host TOM: Makeathon for assistive technology

As part of an international event, teams from around Australia will compete to design assistive technology at Swinburne University of Technology’s Innovation Precinct this November.

Running from November 28-30, the Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM): Melbourne Makeathon brings together people who have specific needs for assistive technologists.

They will work alongside engineers, designers, developers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and experienced team mentors with the end goal being to create assistive technology for those living with a disability.

The event runs for 72 hours with teams working non-stop. They will have access to the full range of Swinburne’s workshops, Factory of the Future and other technical facilities to achieve the best results.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity for Swinburne,” Director of the Innovation Precinct, Professor Sally McArthur says.

Professor McArthur is looking forward to see what each team develops and she expects a range of physical and digital solutions, or designs using both.

“The most important thing is that products will be tailored to the needs of the individual as that’s the real challenge with assistive technologies. You can’t just classify a disability and say, ‘everybody would have that.’ It’s about tailoring to the individual and then exploring ways for that product to have a bigger reach.”

“The exciting thing to me is the way each team has been made. The building of diverse multi-disciplinary teams tailored to the needs of each challenge is what really makes this event stand-out.”

Innovating change

TOM: Melbourne Makeathon will be the first public event hosted by Swinburne’s Innovation Precinct.

The Innovation Precinct is a space for challenges and solutions, worked on by the university's brightest minds and experts – wherever they are based. 

It is a centre of mentoring, collaboration, skills and industry partnerships.

The key goals of the Innovation Precinct are:

• Expose Swinburne students to the Swinburne innovation & entrepreneurship experiences
• Grow the impact of Swinburne research through research-led innovation and industry collaboration
• Contribute to economic development through the creation and commercialisation of innovative products, services and workforce

TOM: Melbourne Makeathon will run 28, 29 and 30 November at Swinburne’s Innovation Precinct. 

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