Bridging Gaps in Assistive Technology: An Interview with Robotics Student Fellow 2024 Gloria Edumaba Graham
Gloria Edumaba Graham, a Master's student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, focuses on developing assistive technology for people with visual and mobility impairments. After participating in the ETH Robotics Student Fellowship, she shares her experiences and thoughts on the value of international collaboration in robotics.
Gloria Edumaba Graham is a dedicated MPhil student at external page Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), our partner university in Ghana. Working within the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) at KNUST, Gloria’s research focuses on developing innovative solutions to aid people with visual and mobility impairments. This summer, she participated in the ETH Robotics Student Fellowship, a programme offered by ETH RobotX, the ETH Robotics Center, that brings together students from around the world to collaborate on robotics research with ETH faculty.
Can you share an experience from the robotics fellowship programme that was particularly memorable or impactful?
One of the most memorable experiences from the robotics fellowship programne was my visit to the external page Swiss Paraplegic Center. Seeing a facility so profoundly committed to healthcare and advancing research for patients with mobility impairments was genuinely inspiring. This visit reinforced the significance of my research and underscored the importance of practical, applied work. It was particularly impactful to see how the research conducted by the ETH Spinal Cord Injury & Artificial Intelligence Lab, where I am currently working in collaboration with the ETH Sensory-Motor Systems Lab, is directly contributing to improving the lives of these patients.
What do you think are the biggest societal and/or technological challenges that researchers in Switzerland and Ghana could work on collaboratively?
In many parts of the world, including Ghana, access to advanced assistive technologies remains limited due to high costs and lack of availability. While Switzerland has made strides in developing cutting-edge assistive devices, these innovations are often inaccessible in lower-income regions. By combining Switzerland's expertise in high-tech development with Ghana's understanding of local needs and contexts, researchers could work together to design cost-effective, scalable solutions. These technologies could be adapted to meet the specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in both regions.
What new ideas or perspectives have you gained from interacting with students and faculty during the fellowship?
One critical insight I've gained from interacting with students and faculty during the fellowship programme is the importance of not being overwhelmed by the scale of a problem. It's easy to feel that your individual efforts won't make a significant impact, but it's crucial not to let that discourage you. Instead, start with small, meaningful actions and remain persistent. By focusing on what you can do, you can create positive change and make a difference, no matter how daunting the challenge may seem.
About the Robotics Student Fellowship
The ETH Robotics Student Fellowship (ETH RSF) programme offers graduate students the opportunity to research alongside experts on the specific topic of robotics of their choice. It takes place mainly during the summer (July - August) and is open to all students worldwide.
Mobility and Inclusion Exhibition at ParaForum, Nottwil
If you are interested in learning more about the barriers people with spinal cord injuries face and how assistive technology can help them overcome obstacles in everyday life, visit the external page Mobility and Inclusion Exhibition at ParaForum in Nottwil.
From 5 September to 22 December, 2024, the special exhibition will be on display in the Visitor Centre.