Epilepsy and the unpredictability of the recurrent seizures have affected people in Australia and around the world. This has impacted the independence and confidence of people living with the disease.
Many people effectively manage the condition with their first or second anti-epileptic drugs. However, the chance of responding to further drugs is significantly diminished if it fails to be treated.
This leaves them with a few choices that will allow them to effectively manage their debilitating condition.
Add to that the existing legal restriction that can impact their job prospects and independence.
Advancing research through a grant
According to a recent press release, the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies has been awarded an AI for Accessibility grant from a multinational technology company.
The grant will support its efforts developing solutions that improve the independence for people living with epilepsy.
Moreover, it will help the University to accelerate its work on a seizure advisory system for adult individuals diagnosed with epilepsy who want or used to drive a vehicle.
This research project is designed to provide a greater degree of independence to a specific cohort of individuals living with epilepsy, which will help better manage against the seemingly unpredictable nature of seizures.
Predicting seizures with the help of AI
The system, NeuroSyd, aims at real-time monitoring and processing of brain-signals while driving, in a group of people living with epilepsy.
NeuroSyd will be developed to deliver an early warning of the likelihood of an epileptic seizure strike, which will hopefully bring independence to those living with epilepsy.
The device will combine data science, the company’s AI and machine learning resources, and the University’s expertise in electronics and biomedical signal processing to help detect brain activity that foreshadows an epileptic seizure, taking measures to possibly avoid consequences associated with unpredictability of a seizure.
The team hopes to create a portable, non-surgical device that can provide someone with up to 30 minutes’ warning about a likely seizure with the use of the art AI and machine learning and current and historical data on brain activity.
Empowering people with disabilities
The company sees massive potential from AI to empower people with disabilities.
AI for Accessibility is a US$ 25 million 5-year program aimed at harnessing the power of AI to amplify human capability for the more than one billion people around the world with disabilities.
It is a call to action for developers, NGOs, academics, researchers and inventors to accelerate their work for people with disabilities, focusing on three challenges: Employment, Daily Life and Communication and Connection.
Through grants, technology, and AI expertise, the program aims to accelerate the development of accessible and intelligent AI solutions
