As part of our ongoing AI series, we spoke with Sheila Buswell, c0-founder and CEO of Buswell Biomedical, a forward-thinking startup focused on enhancing mobility through advanced AI technologies. The company, which presented at InvestMidwest in 2023 is making strides in developing an innovative device control system that leverages AI and machine learning. Sheila gave us some insight into where she sees AI heading for her company.
The journey of Buswell Biomedical began with a simple yet profound observation: the need for better mobility solutions, especially for those with limited physical capabilities. The company has been focused on developing a device control system that empowers patients to perform daily activities independently. As Sheila explained, "The device uses artificial intelligence or machine learning as a control system to empower people or patients to conduct these activities of daily living independently."
The inspiration behind the technology was personal. After being injured during her time in the Army serving in Bosnia, she became all too familiar with the reality of life with limited mobility. And then, 20 years later, “I went through a situation where my mother fell and broke her hip, her mobility was restricted and here I was thinking, ‘it’s been two decades and none of this technology is any better? We’ve gone nowhere in 20 years?’” This experience fueled the desire to create a device that could help others regain their independence.
Buswell Biomedical's device control system uses AI, specifically machine learning, to analyze motion data. The system employs inertial measurement units (IMUs) that sense motion and compare it to a library of standard motions. By analyzing the data, the system can predict the user's needs and assist in various movements. For instance, the system can help users sit down or stand up safely, reducing the risk of falls—a critical concern for many, especially the elderly and those going through rehabilitation.
Reflecting on the role of AI in this endeavor, Sheila mentions, "I couldn't have done this five years ago. When I'd bring it up, it'd be one perception: the Terminator." The shift in perception towards AI, largely influenced by innovations like self-driving cars, demonstrated the potential of AI in practical applications.
The company's commitment to inclusivity in their machine learning models is evident in their data collection process. "We gathered 150 samples across a set of people aged 8 to 96 to get the machine to find the similarities in how people move, how they sit down and stand up," Sheila explained. This extensive range of data helps the AI be more accurate and gave some surprising insights. “It’s not that the 96 year old is slower than the 8 year old because they move slower, they’re just more cautious. They’re more aware of what can go wrong so accuracy becomes the most important aspect.”
While the primary focus is on rehabilitation, the potential applications of their technology are broad. "This could allow people to stay in their homes longer as we're better able to predict where they might need support rails and things like that. It can prevent injury," Sheila explained. The device's ability to predict and mitigate risks could revolutionize elder care and rehabilitation.
Sheila wasn’t shy to discuss the ethical implications of AI. She stressed the importance of ensuring diverse data to avoid biases in AI systems: "We have to make sure the data is diverse, and to do that, we have to have a diverse group of people creating the data." She emphasized that diversity in data collection is crucial for creating fair and effective AI systems.
Additionally, Sheila, cautioned: "Treat AI as a tool like you would anything else. It has potential, but you can't just trust it blindly." She also expressed concerns about the governance of AI, particularly the potential for misuse. "We need to be careful about people making laws about things that they don't understand and keep an eye out for nefarious actors as this grows. Like any tool, it can be a tool for good or not, and we need to be wary of that."
Looking ahead, Buswell Biomedical plans to continue improving its technology, with a vision to make it widely accessible. The company sees potential applications beyond mobility, including rehabilitation and other areas of healthcare. Their goal is to help people maintain their independence and improve their quality of life, regardless of age or physical condition.
Buswell Biomedical's journey is a testament to the transformative power of AI in healthcare. If you’d like to participate in our AI series, reach out to Lyndsey Gruber