Three student teams were recognized in the 2024 TechSAge PITCH Competition for their innovative uses of the Stretch Robot, developed by Hello Robot, to support people aging with disabilities. Dr. Harshal Mahajan – Assistant Director of Research for the LIFE Home – coordinated the competition.
The winning project, was called HYGI+, submitted by by Shuoning (Stone) Shi and Yuheng (Leo) Wang (School of Art & Design). They proposed a modular cleaning attachment featuring a vacuum, motorized brushes, and waste disposal—designed to clean elevated surfaces like stoves and counters. It aims to improve hygiene and independence for older adults.
Prize: $1,000 + LIFE Home resources
Two projects received honorable mentions:
- Multi-Modal Hazard Detection (John Pohovey, Maria Lusardi & Ananya Yammanuru, Grainger Engineering) – proposed a navigation system that helps Stretch detect and manage indoor hazards like cables and rugs.
Prize: $500 + LIFE Home resources - Pressure Ulcer Detection and Prevention (Chieh Wang & Melissa Kuo, Applied Health Sciences) – proposed a camera-based intervention using Stretch to monitor and help treat pressure ulcers.
Prize: $500
Read the full TechSAge article:
2024 Stretch Robot PITCH Competition Winners
