27 April 2014, Cyberjaya – Two teams from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) were shortlisted at the MaGIC Pitching Challenge. The two shortlisted teams were CR2 (Compact Rehabilitation Robot) and Mini HeartCatcher. The CR2 team was represented by Dr Yeong Che Fai, Khor Kang Xiang and Patrick Chin Jun Hua while the Mini HeartCatcher team was represented by Dr Eileen Su Lee Ming, Hiew Furong and Lim Ai Jia. All are from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, UTM except Dr Yeong who is from CAIRO, UTM and Khor Kang Xiang who is from MJIIT, UTM.
CR2 was invited to showcase their product to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in conjunction with the launching of the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC) at Cyberjaya. MaGIC was earlier officially launched by PM Najib and President Obama. Prime Minister Najib indicated his interest in the UTM projects by testing the robot on display. Several other VIPs also tested the system including Cradle CEO, Nazrin Hassan and MDEC CEO, Datuk Badlisham Ghazali. They gave useful feedback.
The product developed by CR2 is a robotic device to assist in the rehabilitation of stroke patients by instilling motivation via engaging and fun game exercises. The CR2 team collaborated with the National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM) to design and develop the device. Meanwhile, the Mini HeartCatcher team developed a device to capture the ECG reading and transmit the data wirelessly to be displayed on smartphones to help patients and cardiologist to monitor the heart rhythm.
Both teams expressed their gratitude to the Innovation and Commercialisation Centre (ICC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, for the support given in making their respective projects a success.
