Software to help the differently-abled operate computers steals the show at DTU

NEW DELHI: A team of students from Delhi Technological University (DTU) has develop a software for persons with certain disabilities, through which certain people can operate computers by blinking their eyes and moving their heads, a statement from the University said on Wednesday.

Named 'Sysbot', the software, created by a four-member team, won the first prize at a 'Hackathon' organised by Women in Engineering of IEEE at DTU.

Over 50 teams of students from DTU, as well as 200 members from IP University and Netaji Subahs Institute of Technology, participated in the Hackathon.

"The software allows one to click the mouse with the blink of an eye and to move the cursor with the movement of the head. It is a utility software we have designed to help the disabled as per the theme of the contest," said Mayank Tripathi, a member of the winning team and second-year Information Technology student.

He added that the software is not yet completely finished and may need 10-15 days of work to become fully functional.

The Hackathon was announced on October 27 and contestants were required to build a tool to help the disabled within the next 24 hours to be qualified for the award, which was announced on October 28.

Another team developed an application 'Bell's Palsy monitor' to help people living with Bell's Palsy syndrome, using technology-driven facial scans comparison over time. Another winning team developed a pathfinder app for blind people.