INVENT 2023 Finalist Profile: Axonnr

Founder name: Jarlath Warner

Using AI & Robotics to revolutionise robotic prosthetics.

What is your background?

I have an MEng degree in Computer Science and am currently studying for my PhD in Computer Science which is focussed on the design and development of lightweight AI for smart sensors and wearable devices.

During my undergraduate years, I worked on different academic research which looked at the use of AI and machine learning for processing and classifying the electrical signals produced by our muscles and I have published work in this domain.

I have in my spare time spent many years working on different projects involving the different applications of AI, combining AI systems I’ve developed to interface with robotic devices.

What inspired you to start your business?

There were many reasons I started Axonnr, but primarily it was to use technology to help people. However, I was first introduced to the area of robotic prosthetics when I worked on research during my undergraduate years. This research was concerned with how we could optimise the way we classify the electrical signals produced by our muscles using Artificial Intelligence.

During this research, I came aware of different prosthetic devices and how they applied some of the concepts I was researching, by using the electrical activity produced by our muscles to control devices. When I focussed in on the current prosthetic devices available, I gained a greater appreciation for the engineering behind them and how they serve as an imperative tool in helping patients regain functionality lost due to their amputation. However, I also felt that there was a technological gap present between advancements in AI and developments in prosthetic technology.

Following the publication of my research, I decided to continue to research the realm of prosthetic devices and spent time working on developing software which could interact with a hand I had 3D printed.

What initially started off as a hobby project progressed and developed into something which I believed was worthwhile pursuing and sharing with others.

What problem are you solving?

Axonnr's state-of-the-art AI solution bridges the technological gap currently present with prosthetic devices and aims to provide new insights for device control.

Our hardware follows a plug-n-play approach and aims to interface with various upper-limb devices, regardless of manufacturer, making our technology more accessible to patients.

Additionally, Axonnr’s technology seeks to improve the retention of upper-limb devices among patients by adapting to their unique functionality requirements and unlocking the full capabilities of their device.

Who and where are your potential customers?

Amputations are not isolated to one section of the globe, therefore, our potential customers are prosthetic clinics around the world. In particular, we will be initially working with clinics which cater for upper-limb amputees.

What do you think is the potential for your business?

Our core technology is built around the capability of being able to read and interpret the electrical activity produced by our body, therefore, our technology is not just limited to upper-limb devices but has potential to expand into other forms of prosthetic and mobility devices.

Through our technology, software, and research, Axonnr will continually strive to leverage the latest AI and advanced computing methods thus guaranteeing that our technology continues to lead in innovation.

Where do you hope to be 5 years from now?

In 5 years’ time, we will have a highly talented team based in our Armagh premise continuing to make our technology cutting-edge, innovative and world-leading. We will be progressing our upper-limb technology through regulatory processes for approval in the USA market and priming ourselves for initial sales of our technology to private clinics. Additionally, we will have a robust list of manufacturer-endorsed compatible upper-limb devices, which our hardware will be compatible with, making our technology accessible to even more patients.

Check Axonnr’s website and follow Axonnr on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Tickets for the INVENT Awards Night 2023 are on sale at invent23.co/awards – Thursday 21st September at the ICC Belfast.