{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/FT250100813"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"FT250100813","attributes":{"code":"FT250100813","administering-organisation":"The University of Sydney","announcement-administering-organisation":"The University of Sydney","scheme-name":"ARC Future Fellowships","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2025,"years-funded":4,"project-start-date":"2026-05-01","anticipated-end-date":"2030-04-30","grant-summary":"A Co-Design Framework to In-Situ Fabricate Coevolutionary Enabling Devices. Computational methods that allow end users to design and fabricate their own devices can revolutionise how we build assistive technologies. This is of particular significance to disability, age care, and health, where people must rely on assistive technologies to work, communicate and socialise. But mass-produced solutions often fail to fit user needs, resulting in poor adherence and financial losses. This project aims to develop a co-design and fabrication framework using computational and additive manufacturing methods to in-situ fabricate individualised enabling devices. The outcomes will enhance the independence of individuals with disabilities, enabling active contribution to the economy while reducing reliance on social support.","funding-current":1156271.00,"funding-at-announcement":1131800,"investigators-current":[{"title":"A/Prof","firstName":"Anusha","familyName":"Withanage Don","roleName":"Future Fellowship","roleCode":"FT","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0001-6587-1278 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"A/Prof","firstName":"Anusha","familyName":"Withanage Don","roleName":"Future Fellowship","roleCode":"FT","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0001-6587-1278 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The University of Sydney","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"NSW"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The University of Sydney","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"NSW"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"4608","name":"Human-Centred Computing","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"460801","name":"Accessible Computing","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"460806","name":"Human-Computer Interaction","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"460809","name":"Pervasive Computing","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"200403","name":"Disability and Functional Capacity","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"229999","name":"Other Information and Communication Services Not Elsewhere Classified","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"230101","name":"Ability and Disability","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["England","Germany","Japan","Korea, Republic of (South)","Singapore","United States of America"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"Disability is a significant issue in Australia, with about 4.4 million Australians (17.7% of the population) living with a disability. Many face challenges in accessing education, employment, and daily activities. People with disabilities experience nearly twice the rate of unemployment.\n\nThis proposal aims to develop effective assistive technologies that can help bridge this gap, enabling individuals with disabilities to achieve independence and productivity. For example, devices such as communication, mobility, and sensory technologies can significantly improve quality of life and facilitate inclusion in the workforce.\n\nBy leveraging assistive technologies, individuals with disabilities can contribute actively to the economy while reducing reliance on social support. A report from Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre suggests that a 10% increase in employment for people with disabilities could boost Australia’s GDP by around $43 billion over the next decade.\n\nThe proposal further aims to use additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, which allows for rapid prototyping and tailored designs, addressing a significant problem in current approaches. This not only addresses the specific needs of individuals but also strengthens Australia’s manufacturing sector.\n\nFurthermore, the applications of these technologies can be adapted for use in sectors like defence and aerospace, where on-demand, recyclable devices can enhance performance, safety, and operational capabilities."}}}