What is Motion Master?
The Motion Master assistive device designed by the Motion Master team is a playable toy device used to treat (Motion and Learning Disabilities in children and post-learning disabilities in elders). A search conducted by the Motion Master team in Google Scholar concluded that there were no similar devices in the market or patented.
In learning disabilities, there was a difference in the behavior between cases of (specific comprehension deficit and language learning disability) and control cases in the following parts: Parietal operculum, corona radiata, and internal capsule.
[16]
Video 4. Motion Master device. Click to PLAY video
The History of Motion Master
Motion Master was inspired by the works of our founders in Fundacaex, a foundation in a low-income neighborhood that teaches children English. Our founders found that many children had motion and learning disabilities, e.g., some children had trouble writing or learning new concepts. Moreover, one child in particular told our CEO that his granddad had dementia. Unfortunately, they did not have the resources to afford expensive therapies. Thus, our founders set an objective to create a device to help patients with the previously mentioned disabilities. They knew this was not an easy task. Still, they were motivated to change health.
Subsequently, the team knew this needed to be made amusingly. Thus, we decided to use a teddy bear to entertain the kids. Moreover, according to the St Lukes hospital, elders suffering from post-learning disabilities, e.g., dementia, showed childish behaviors, which meant that it would be engaging for both children and elders.[17]
The idea came up as a toy with a screen on its back. The screen would show an animation of how to do a certain number. Subsequently, the patient would take the toy (currently only available for right-hand users) and make the figure of the number shown. Finally, the TinyML will asses whether the number was well-drawn or not and show an x or a tick, respectively.
Figure 8. First Validation Method
Figure 9. Second Validation Method
Figure 10. Third Validation Method
The Originality of the Motion Master
A significant breakthrough was made with Motion Master. It differs from other solutions (e.g., expensive therapies or prosthetics). Moreover, Motion Master incorporates cutting-edge technology—for example, Machine Learning, Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano, and a 3.2-inch screen).
Machine learning was incorporated using tensor flow technology and several control trials of each number. Moreover, Arduino Nano will assess whether the number was done correctly or not, as we used Arduino Nano’s IMU for Motion Detection, which allowed us to feature a 3D accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer. That helped us find any change in movement, orientation, and more. For more information about Arduino Nano’s IMU technology CLICK HERE [20].
The screen is quite helpful as it will show the user exactly how to draw the number appropriately. Which is a handy tool, as our patients do not know how to draw the numbers correctly. Thus, it will allow users to learn how to do the number quickly.
Figure 11. Arduino UNO R3 [18]
Figure 12. Arduino NANO [19]
Video 5. TinyML on the Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense REV2: AI in Your Pocket [20]
Addressing an Unmet Need
One of the main issues with previous methods used to solve this disability was therapies or, in some cases, prostheses. For example, according to special learning, occupational therapy costs from US$100 to US$200 per hour[21]. Thus, it will be highly challenging for low-income families to afford these therapies. Moreover, this issue is much more severe in post-learning disabilities in elders; according to Passion in Education, post-learning disability therapy can go upwards to US$400 for a regular session[22]
Patients who prefer to go for mobility aids don’t have much luck either. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, patients can also use mobility aids, such as Wheelchairs, canes, prosthetic devices, Hearing aids, Computer software, automatic page-turners, and more, which may not be very accessible, especially in underdeveloped countries like ours[23].
Figure 13. The Motion Master Team in collaboration with Fundacaex
Video 6. Motion Master product testimonies. Click to PLAY video