Technology with a Purpose. Robotics That Make a Difference.

My name is Drew Welsh, and I'm driven by the belief that everyone deserves to live a life without limitations. As a robotics engineer, I'm dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities by creating innovative solutions that unlock their full potential and foster true independence. I understand the profound impact that technology can have on a person's life, and I'm committed to listening, learning, and collaborating to design robots that make a real difference. If you have a story to share and a desire to create positive change, let's connect and embark on this journey together, redefining what's possible.


Have a unique challenge that needs a creative solution? I'm here to listen and collaborate. Let's start the conversation.


"From Dependence to Autonomy: Bernie's Journey with Voice-Activated Mobility"

Bernie, a quadriplegic individual, relies on a motorized wheelchair for mobility. However, due to progressing limitations, he was losing the ability to operate the wheelchair's controls independently. This increasing dependence on others for even basic movements severely impacted his autonomy and quality of life, requiring assistance every few minutes. Traditional wheelchair modifications were not feasible due to restrictions on interfacing with the wheelchair's electronics.

To restore Bernie's independence, we engineered a custom voice-activated control system for his wheelchair. The heart of this system is a Raspberry Pi 4, a compact yet powerful computer. We carefully mounted an array of 9g RC servos – small, precise motors often used in hobbyist robotics – to the wheelchair's control panel. These servos, acting as robotic fingers, physically press the buttons in response to Bernie's voice commands.

To achieve real-time voice recognition without relying on cloud services, we implemented the Pocketsphinx model. This lightweight speech recognition engine allows Bernie to effortlessly control his wheelchair with simple, natural voice commands, even in environments with limited internet connectivity.

The voice-activated control system has been transformative for Bernie. He has regained a significant degree of independence, no longer needing assistance every few minutes. Now, he only requires help a few times a day, typically for situations the system isn't designed to handle. This newfound autonomy has dramatically improved his quality of life:

  • Reduced Dependence: Bernie is no longer reliant on others for basic movements, fostering a sense of self-reliance and dignity.

  • Enhanced Mobility: He can navigate his environment more freely and spontaneously, participating in activities he previously couldn't.

  • Increased Confidence: The ability to control his wheelchair independently has boosted Bernie's confidence and overall well-being.

  • Improved Social Interaction: With less reliance on constant assistance, Bernie can engage more fully in social situations and outings.