SCI Superstar: Stuart Turner

A roboticist with a focus on drones, one of the best accessibility consultants on the planet and a well-known speaker who’s shared his thoughts with the likes of TEDx and WIRED, Stuart Turner is one of the most tech-savvy quadriplegics in the world.

Also the founder of RobotandCake.com, a site dedicated to illuminating the importance (and possibilities) of integrating robotics into assistive technology, Stuart is one impressive guy. A man with an eye to the future in a profound way, this is the amazing Stuart Turner.

Why He’s Fearless

In 2009 is when Stuart’s entire life began to change. Formally able-bodied and an undergraduate studying computer science, Stuart began to suddenly notice lessened sensation throughout his body, and it was soon followed with a loss of movement.

After a series of tests, Stuart was finally diagnosed. He had spinal bifida. a strange but not totally uncommon diagnosis to receive later in life. But he was also diagnosed with a tethered spinal cord syndrome and Chiari malformation, which is when some brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. Within months he progressively worsened, until he plateaued.

Stuart can now only move his right index finger, but nothing more below his neck. He has the abilities of a C2 quadriplegic incomplete and must use voice technology for all of his computing. This has made him an expert in the field of accessible technology.

For many years after his injury Stuart was housebound (his wheelchair couldn’t get into his bedroom), which was how he came upon a video showing the possibilities of drone technology for people with disabilities. Originally created for war, Stuart sees drones as a way for people with spinal cord injuries to escape the confines of their homes, wheelchairs or beds, allowing them to see the entire world.

Excited about the possibility of robots, he founded RobotsandCake.com. This site wants to see more robots and other consumer technologies expand their reach to those with profound disabilities. Drones that can be re-scripted are some of Stuart’s most favorite technology in the world.

He has hacked into several personal drones that can be purchased for personal use, making them work for his disability. He has been able to travel the world from the comfort of his own bed and see beautiful sights in places like Australia and Asia.  Drone technology is definitely expanding our world in an amazing way.

He is also now working with Brown University, designing what they call a “Quadcopter,” which will be a fully accessible drone not requiring any tinkering. He has been able to fly down the halls of Brown from 3,000 miles away whilst doing the research and is loving every minute of it.

What’s Next?

Stuart’s knowledge on the possibilities of personal drones, especially on how they can improve the lives of people with disabilities, has also attracted big names in the science field asking him to speak. Hw spoke at WIRED2014 UK talking about drones and demo-ing a drone in the auditorium all from the comfort of his own home. He also spoke in 2015 for TEDx Youth, discussing the possibilities of the universe.

A gifted speaker, Stuart has the ability to connect with his audience. He dreams big and he envisions a world where people disabilities can be as mobile as anyone else or even more so (drones can do some pretty sweet moves in the sky). Stuart is actively upgrading the world.