Robot ramp could be a transport gamechanger

A MAIDEN Gully robotics designer is developing what could be a revolutionary way of improving access to trains for people of all abilities, and the technology has the potential to go global.

Jay Davey is working on Rampey, a mobile robotic ramp that will make getting on and off trains easier and faster for those with a disability.

He said the tech, which would replace existing manually-operated mobile ramps, could be a gamechanger.

“I think it is revolutionary, especially if it works,” Mr Davey said. “The only way to prove it is to try it.”

Mr Davey will explain the project and display a Rampey prototype at a Startup Central Victoria showcase at The Capital on Friday 6 September.

He founded the project earlier this year with partner Damien Irving in response to a Department of Transport and Planning and LaunchVic problem statement about how to use technology to improve public transport accessibility for everyone.

The pair eventually won funding to develop Rampey (Mr Irving has since had to step away because of other commitments) and, for Mr Davey, the issue of accessibility for those with disabilities is personal.

He has had hearing loss since the age of three and credits hearing aid technology with giving him freedom and independence.

“I don’t ever feel like someone who is disabled, but there are other people who live with different disabilities who still face unreasonable barriers in life,” Mr Davey said.

He said, for example, no one had yet come up with a solution to fast, safe and adaptable access to public transport.

“Rampey has been designed to do exactly this – to change the way that access to public transport is being done,” he said.

“It’s a very challenging problem that’s existed for a long time, but I think it’s actually going to be solved.”

The 37-year-old returned to Australia and Bendigo last year after an extended period in the United States, where he gained a Masters qualification in robotics at the University of Pennsylvania.

He took on an internship with Tesla and also worked in biotech and on designing and building robots for warehousing and manufacturing.

Ultimately, he’s confident that Rampey will be the solution to what is a worldwide problem.

“The challenge with any innovation is you don’t know whether it’s genius or complete stupidity,” he said.

“Until you actually try it, it’s very difficult to know without the wisdom of hindsight … but there have been a lot of advancements in robotics that have given me confidence.” Visit rampey.com.au.