For the disabled and wheelchair-bound, the independence to “drive” their own wheelchairs is a cherished dream. Utilizing gesture-based communication, Boys Town Jerusalem College of Applied Engineering (CAE) student Eyal Baruch is helping transform this dream to reality. For his Senior Project, Eyal created a prototype for an electronic “smart” glove that enables a handicapped person to drive a wheelchair using a mere slight of hand.
Sensors translate hand motions into movement
The life-changing glove is embedded with a microcontroller whose powerful sensors interpret hand and finger gestures towards up, down, right or left. The processor instantly transfers this data, signaling the electric wheelchair to move accordingly.
Smart Glove delivers freedom and independence
Harnessing this assistive technology, Eyal’s Smart Glove empowers the physically impaired to gain mobility, effective communication through natural hand and finger movement, and priceless independence.
Eyal’s journey from cinema to engineering excellence
Eyal Baruch, 20, is from Efrat. Born in France, he moved to Israel as a young boy. After majoring in Cinema and Geography in high school, Eyal entered the very challenging CAE program as an Electronics major. He has now earned both an Applied Engineering degree and a BA in Education – following in the footsteps of his father, an electronics professional.
A talented bodybuilder who “takes advantage of every waking moment,” Eyal coaches children in sports, sportsmanship, and a healthy lifestyle. Now graduating BTJ’s College of Applied Engineering with high honors, Eyal will contribute his greatly- needed skills as an officer in a specialized Israel Air Force technological unit.