Automotive expertise meets medical device technology: At the FORVIA Foundation's first Disability Hackathon, innovative, practical solutions were developed that will make everyday life easier for people with disabilities.

^{Thursday 2025-07-17}

Automotive technology and medical devices: What at first glance could not be more different was perfectly combined at the 1st Disability Hackathon. Technical expertise from the automotive sector met the challenges of medical device technology – together, innovative, practical solutions were developed that will make a real difference to the everyday lives of people with disabilities.

Disability Hackathon 2025: From idea to prototype in three days

In June 2025, the FORVIA Foundation held its first Disability Hackathon in collaboration with the Learning Planet Institute (LPI). Over 40 employees from different countries – both on site in Paris and online – worked together to find solutions to specific challenges faced by people with disabilities. The initiative aimed to develop innovative and practical aids that directly address the needs of those affected.

For three days, three teams worked intensively on the realities of life for people with disabilities, including Sofia, the eight-year-old daughter of a FORVIA employee who lives with polymicrogyria (a rare malformation of the cerebral cortex), and Edouard, who has cerebral palsy (a movement and posture disorder caused by early brain damage) and leads an active life diving and skydiving. The teams were supported by experts from the Learning Planet Institute and used modern tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and electronics kits to turn their ideas into functional prototypes.

The three projects that were subsequently worked on in detail were:

• SoF’un: An adaptable play and standing aid that helps Sofia play safely and can grow with her.
• Wheelchair rear view camera: A compact rear view camera system connected to a smartphone that increases the safety and independence of wheelchair users.
• Voice control for a medical bed: A voice-controlled system that enables Edouard to adjust his medical bed independently – implemented with Alexa integration.

The application of expertise from the participants' various fields, whether sensor technology, electronics, or design and construction, which is typically used in vehicle development, to medical devices was a decisive factor in the hackathon's success. This led to an exchange that resulted in innovative solutions for greater inclusion directly from the interface between the two industries and opened up new perspectives for everyday assistive devices.

“The Disability Hackathon showed how much potential there is in collaboration between different disciplines and how technical innovations can help promote inclusion and participation,” explains Nicole Castagné, responsible for the FORVIA Foundation at FORVIA HELLA. "The practical results and the intensive exchange during the hackathon highlighted how important joint commitment is for the development of inclusive solutions.“

”Unfortunately, people with disabilities often feel inhibited when it comes to talking about their everyday difficulties and seeking support,“ adds Daniel Klotz, Group Disability Officer at FORVIA HELLA. “The Disability Hackathon has impressively demonstrated what can be achieved when people from different fields come together and share their knowledge. "

The prototypes developed will now be further optimized and tested in practice. The aim is to make the solutions accessible not only to those affected, but also to a wider community. The collaboration with the Learning Planet Institute and the disclosure of the construction plans as open source should help ensure that the aids developed can be used and further developed worldwide.

HELLA employees provide a glimpse behind the scenes

Simon Beckmann (PhD candidate in AI applications in production in Lippstadt): "I thought it was great to use my knowledge and skills to help others. During the hackathon, we first analyzed the needs online and developed ideas together. On the day of the event on site, we built a functional prototype that only needs a few minor adjustments. It was particularly impressive that we were able to implement voice control with Alexa for Edouard's medical bed, even though we had to overcome technical hurdles such as a non-functioning Bluetooth interface. At 50 to 100 euros, our solution is significantly cheaper than conventional medical products, which often cost over 1,000 euros. It was important to us that the solutions we developed could also benefit other people."

Hazel Marroquin (Innovation Manager GIT in Tlaquepaque/Mexico): "I took part in the hackathon because I wanted to seize the opportunity to improve the quality of life and accessibility for people with disabilities through technological solutions. As Innovation Manager at HELLA, I deal with new technologies and promote a culture of innovation based on design thinking. I worked on the development of an Alexa voice control system for Edouard's medical bed, but was unable to participate in the implementation due to the time difference. I was particularly impressed by the collaborative spirit and the diversity of ideas – it was inspiring to see people from different fields working together on real challenges."

Christian Sievers (Group Leader, Radar Design in Lippstadt): "I was part of Sofia's team, who wanted a mobile gaming aid that would grow with her. We deliberately used standard parts that are widely available so that the solution can be easily replicated and further developed worldwide. The construction plans will also be made available to others. I was enthusiastic about the idea because I know from my own experience the hurdles that people with disabilities have to overcome. I enjoy constructing things and was surprised at how much can be achieved in such a short time. It was great to get to know many Faurecia colleagues personally, and I would love to see an event like this take place at HELLA in Lippstadt."