11.11.2023
Exploring Innovation at Taguspark’s 23rd Anniversary Open Day
The Taguspark campus of Instituto Superior Técnico is celebrating its 23rd anniversary with an exciting Open Day event scheduled for November 11th. As a part of this celebration, the Interactive Technologies Institute is set to make a significant contribution. With four innovative stands in the campus Atrium, we are thrilled to showcase our groundbreaking projects that bridge technology, accessibility, emotional well-being, and education. Our exhibits promise to captivate and educate visitors, providing a glimpse into the potential of interactive technologies in addressing diverse challenges.
Emotional Well-being by Inês Santos Silva
Inês Santos Silva, a dedicated PhD student, presents an exhibition about emotional well-being, a critical aspect of rehabilitation for stroke survivors and their caregivers. Her project, Emotions2Us, explores the power of social experience technologies in promoting interdependent communication, expression, support, and reflection on emotional well-being. The Emotions2Us device, an interactive ambient tool designed to strengthen the bond between stroke survivors and caregivers, will be displayed. Visitors can interact with the device, observe its functionality, and experience its potential to promote emotional well-being for this vulnerable group.
Block-Based Accessible Tangible Programming by Filipa Rocha
Filipa Rocha, an enthusiastic PhD student, introduces us to her project known as Block-Based Accessible Tangible Programming Systems (BATS). BATS leverages a block-based programming language that allows visually impaired children to control a robot through 3D foam icon-adorned blocks. This innovative approach transforms programming into a tactile, accessible experience, empowering children with visual impairments to learn computational thinking inclusively and engagingly. Filipa’s collaborative approach with schools, associations, and families reflects her commitment to making technology education accessible to all, particularly visually impaired and blind children.
Collaborative Card Game with a Robot by Fábio Sousa
Fábio Sousa, an MSc student, presents a captivating project that involves a robot engaging in a collaborative card game with a group of children with mixed hearing impairments. The game, titled “The Mind,” not only offers entertainment but also serves as a remarkable demonstration of adaptive technology. The robot adapts its interactions to ensure they are comprehensible to children with varying hearing challenges. This project highlights the potential of interactive technologies in creating inclusive gaming experiences that transcend traditional boundaries.
Innovative Exploration of Human Anatomy by Inês Lúcio
Inês Lúcio, an MSc student, offers an innovative exploration of human anatomy, leveraging the power of augmented reality. Using a Snapchat lens, participants will have a unique opportunity to engage with their own facial anatomy. The lens incorporates anatomical illustrations of skin regions, head and skull muscles, providing an interactive learning experience. Additionally, the lens provides knowledge maps that visually and intuitively explain the connections between different facial anatomical components. Visitors can interact with the lens by touching the screen, reinforcing their understanding of facial anatomy with the aid of knowledge maps that can be activated or deactivated as desired.
The Interactive Technologies Institute’s participation in the Open Day of the Taguspark campus is a testament to our commitment to innovation and inclusivity. Our four diverse projects on display underscore the potential of interactive technologies in addressing a wide range of challenges, from emotional well-being for stroke survivors to accessible programming for visually impaired children, inclusive gaming experiences for those with hearing impairments, and innovative approaches to learning human anatomy. We invite all visitors to come and engage with our stands, experience the future of technology, and witness firsthand the impact of these interactive solutions in transforming lives. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm with you at this special event celebrating the 23rd anniversary of the Taguspark campus of Instituto Superior Técnico.
