Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) is proud to partner with Sure Grip-HVL, a company that specializes in innovative driving solutions for drivers with disabilities. Sure Grip approached NBCC with a request to help develop new technology to address a customer need they had identified, specifically, technology which allows drivers to activate the secondary Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) controls on their vehicles through voice activation. The OEM controls include such functions as cruise control, door locks, gear selector, hazard flasher, headlight beam selector, heater/vent/air conditioner, horn, light controls, mirrors, parking brake, power seats, turn signals, power window controls, windshield wiper/washer and defogger, and rear accessories (defogger, wiper/washer). For drivers with extremely limited motion in their limbs or who are missing limbs these OEM controls are often too difficult to use or in difficult to reach areas. Sure Grip currently mounts auxiliary switches that can activate OEM controls to make them accessible to drivers, however, the development and application of voice activation technology to the OEM controls would allow for the operation of these controls without the physical constraints that drivers face by having to physically operate them. This project will contribute to Sure Grip's product growth and allow them to enhance the driving experience of people who are currently driving with inferior solutions.