After all, it was thanks to NASA's resources that Adam Kissiah, an electronics instrumentation engineer at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, was able to create what would become the cochlear implant. This assistive technology is now considered a medical wonder and has restored hearing to hundreds of thousands of adults and children across the planet since its creation nearly 50 years ago.
And now, NASA is making it easier than ever to find and access patented inventions born from space exploration that could help design or manufacture assistive technologies. To help spur the next generation of assistive technologies, NASA has compiled patented technologies with potential applications to this industry in one place. Companies are invited to browse the list for innovations that can help improve an existing product or launch the creation of something new.
"NASA is no stranger to improving the world of health and medicine. Our technologies benefit all humanity, and making them easier to find for companies creating these tools to improve people's quality of life just made sense," said Dan Lockney, program executive for NASA's Technology Transfer program. "We can't wait to learn how these innovations born from NASA expertise will help people lead healthy, productive, and independent lives."
According to the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), assistive technologies are products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for people with disabilities. This includes everything from hardware, such as prosthetics, hearing aids, and wheelchairs, to software like screen readers and communication programs.
Another notable NASA assistive technology spinoff is JORDY, or Joint Optical Reflective Display. The device enables people with low vision to read and write. JORDY enhances an individual's remaining sight by magnifying objects up to 50 times and allowing them to change contrast, brightness, and display modes, depending on what works best for their low-vision condition.
The curated list on technology.nasa.gov features hardware and software available for licensing, including:
+ A robotic upper body exoskeleton that helps the user control the shoulder and elbow to rehabilitate people suffering from the effects of a stroke or traumatic brain injury
+ A glove to help reduce the grasping force needed to operate tools for an extended period of time, born from a collaboration to build a robotic astronaut
+ 3D printing techniques to help build delicate or complex parts
+ New and improved processes to fabricate circuitry
In January 2024, representatives from NASA's Technology Transfer program will be present at the ATIA conference in Orlando, Florida. Attendees will be able to learn more about the assistive technologies available for licensing.
NASA's Technology Transfer program, managed by the Space Technology Mission Directorate.
Relevance Scores:
1. Space and Defense Industry Analyst: 8/10
2. Stock and Finance Market Analyst: 6/10
3. Government Policy Analyst: 7/10
Analyst Summary:
Space and Defense Industry Analyst: NASA's role in the assistive technology sector illustrates its broader capability to push boundaries beyond space exploration. While NASA has historically been a catalyst for technological innovation-think weather satellites, GPS systems, and even memory foam-the agency's pivot to license patented technologies explicitly for assistive devices signals a diversification strategy that can potentially create new revenue streams and partnerships. This move correlates with the gradual commercialization and diversification of space technologies over the last 25 years.
Stock and Finance Market Analyst: Companies in the assistive technology industry stand to benefit substantially from NASA's intellectual property offerings. Those that leverage this opportunity are likely to see increased market competitiveness, potential for partnerships, and shareholder value. This initiative, if successful, could serve as a catalyst for increased public and private investment in assistive technology companies, as well as those specializing in broader aerospace applications.
Government Policy Analyst: NASA's Technology Transfer program serves a dual purpose of fulfilling its mandate for technological innovation and supporting public well-being. The implication for policymakers is significant: it showcases how government-funded research can be both specialized and broadly applicable, warranting sustained or even increased funding. This initiative could serve as a model for how government agencies can serve multiple constituencies while still fulfilling their primary missions.
Comparative Analysis:
NASA's involvement in assistive technology is a microcosm of the broader trends within the space and defense industry over the last quarter-century. Historically, defense and space projects such as the Space Shuttle, the Mars rovers, and various military technologies have had spillover benefits for civilian life. The cochlear implant itself, nearly 50 years old, is an early example of this trend. What has evolved over time, especially in the last 25 years, is the speed and formalization of these technology transfer processes, likely expedited by globalization and digitization.
Investigative Questions:
1. What are the economic implications of NASA's Technology Transfer program on the assistive technology sector, specifically in terms of job creation and market growth?
2. How will this initiative influence NASA's partnerships with private-sector companies and other government agencies?
3. Are there any ethical considerations surrounding the commercial licensing of government-funded research, particularly as it relates to healthcare?
4. How does the licensing strategy fit into NASA's broader mission and long-term vision?
5. Could NASA's focus on assistive technologies trigger a shift in government spending priorities or allocation strategies, particularly in defense and space budgets?
By embracing a multidisciplinary approach, one can better understand the comprehensive impact of NASA's latest move in the context of historical trends, market implications, and policy considerations.
Related Links
Technology Transfer at NASA
All about the robots on Earth and beyond!
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