ARATA Better Technology Awards
Sponsored by: the Institution of Engineers, College of Biomedical Engineering.
The ARATA Better Technology Awards were a highlight of the 2001 ARATA Conference, with winners announced at the AGM.
The aim of the awards is to provide incentive and encouragement for the design and marketing of a technological product. Awards were offered in two categories, Commercial and Prototype, with each award recipient presented with a cheque and certificate.
- Judging was by an expert panel of two rehabilitation engineers and one therapist with experience relating to the product.
- All products were judged on four main criteria, including product design, performance, support and appearance.
- First prize winners received a cheque for $500, with runners up receiving $250.
This year's winners
Commercial Award
The Commercial Award was won by Equipment Technology Services (a division of the Cerebral Palsy League in Queensland) for their Supernova Tilt-in-Space Wheelchair.
The certificate was presented by Dick Wharton, Chairman of the Queensland Branch of the Institution of Engineers to Garrie Wolstenholme from ETS.
Second prize in this category was awarded to the eLr Extra Language Resources Software Package, distributed by eLr Software Pty Ltd and accepted by Rob and Toni Seiler.
Products in the commercial category must be undergoing an initial product run or have been in the market place for no longer than 24 months.
Prototype Award
First place winner in the Prototype category was awarded to the Megalong Positioning Service in NSW for their "Turtle" Floor Seat.
Dick Wharton, Chairman of the Queensland Branch of the Institution of Engineers presented the certificate to Evonne de Vries from MPS.
Second prize went to the Vigil-Aide Voice Activated Control System developed by DCT Associates Pty Ltd and accepted by Terence Cody.
Products in this category must be in a prototype stage, prior to commercial production.
Congratulations to all winners!