James Dyson Award 2020 – Aussie winners

James Dyson Award 2020

Three Australian inventors will go on to the International James Dyson Award 2020.

The James Dyson Award 2020 (details here) is Dyson’s contribution to finding bright minds and fresh ideas to solve problems.

The National Winner is Tim Ottaway.

His invention – the Flock bike light. It addresses the issue of bicycle lighting in a way that no set of flashing LEDs do.

The Flock bike light comprises compact, high powered LEDs. These project onto the rider’s moving legs (biomotion lighting) and the ground, as well as a rear-facing element. Research indicates that highlighting ‘biomotion’ is far more effective in making cyclists noticeable to other road users.

The rechargeable light is light-weight and easily removable for security.

Tim says, “The Flock bike light can’t solve all cycling safety issues, but enhanced night visibility is an important part. The bigger picture is about educating and changing road and path infrastructure. We need to make them a safer and more positive place for all users.”

The Runners up are

  • Quito, a low-cost and sustainable CO2-based mosquito trap
  • E.Cue, a smart device that applies biofeedback technologies to monitor and detect Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Quito (Kennyjie Marcellino, Swinburne University of Technology)

It mimics a human presence via a combination of fermentation (sugar water, yeast and lactic acid). Via low-power electronics, it reproduces cues they use to find humans. Mosquitos are drawn into the corrugated rattan shell and to their Deathbed. Quito received an “Excellence in Health and Wellbeing Design” by the Swinburne School of Design.

E.Cue is a smartphone tool and app to help self-regulate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Self-regulation refers to one’s ability to control and respond to thoughts, feelings and emotions. However, self-regulation is intrinsically linked to one’s capacity for Emotion Recognition. This is a process with detectable physical symptoms.

E.Cue applies Galvanic Skin Response sensors to monitor and detect these symptoms. This is a non-invasive biofeedback technology that measures conductivity across the skin through skin contact. The data collected by the sensors is processed by the E.Cue app to notify users when changes occur.

The user completes a self-evaluation. This identifies and manages the emotion they are experiencing. It mimics clinical techniques that increase the capacity to self-regulate. Additionally, the app interfaces with the physical features of the device to provide soothing sensory activities for the user.

James Dyson Award 2020 – Australian Judges

  • Professor Veena Sahajwall – founder and Director of SMaRT@UNSW, the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology.
  • Felicity Furey – Felicity is a business leader, entrepreneur and engineer.
  • Ryan Tilley – won the national James Dyson Award in 2019 for Gecko Traxx. It is portable and affordable manual wheelchair accessory that enables off-road access    

The James Dyson Award 2020

Tim will receive AU$3,500 to go towards his project. All three finalists will move on to the international stage. A panel of Dyson Engineers will select the Top 20.

Sir James Dyson will then select on 19 November 2020.

  • The International Winner (AU$55,000 and AU$9,500 for their university)
  • The Sustainability Winner (AU$55,000)
James   Dyson Award 2020