Goldfields graduate designs communication robotic device

The traumatizing passing of his mother two years ago, led Janco Bekker (25), a graduated computer scientist and a robotics fanatic, to design and develop a life-changing device that allows people who cannot speak, to communicate with others.

Tiaan, Janco’s father, watched his wife, Betsie, struggle in the ICU, incubated and unable to speak for three weeks. Unable to express her needs or pain, the silent cry in Betsie’s eyes for wanting to speak to them, was heart wrenching for Tiaan and Janco.

After Betsie’s passing, Tiaan and Janco were determined to find a solution for others in a similar situation. With encouragement from Tiaan, Janco - who had been fasci- nated by machines since his days as a toddler - designed and developed a device that enables individuals, especially those who are incubated, to communicate through head movements.

Janco explains that by using small head movements, people can type words, which can be converted into speech. The device, named VoiceB in honour of Betsie, is also being adapted to work with messaging platforms.

Tiaan is now looking for research participants, volunteers, or their families, to test the device to further refine its capabilities and expand its applications. Use during the trial period will be free of charge.

As he explored the device’s potential, Janco, realised the device could serve a wide range of purposes in healthcare and therapy. He explains robotics is the design, construction and operation of systems that perform tasks using mechanical, electronic, and AI technologies.

Janco matriculated from Hentie Celliers High School and graduated with an honours degree in Computer Science and Information Technology from the Northwest University.