Microsoft has awarded two schools from New South Wales as the winners of its artificial intelligence (AI) for Good Schools challenge.
With over 630 entries submitted from 108 schools across Australia, the 2020 winners are Sensory 4 Sight and Aldaptyle.
The competition is an opportunity for high school students to learn about AI and produce their own AI concept to make a difference in the world.
AI is intelligence demonstrated by machines, which is unlike the natural intelligence displayed by humans and animals, and is often used to describe machines (or computers) that mimic cognitive functions that humans associate with the human mind, such as learning and problem solving.
The winners of division one, for students in Years 7-9, were from Ravenswood School for Girls in Sydney, with Aldaptyle offering a way for people with physical disabilities or special needs to order fashionable clothing that fits.
Through linking a user’s body-scan to online fashion sites, the idea is that the person would be able to order custom made clothing to meet their specific needs.
Fashion preferences are also determined through speech and then tailored clothes are designed, made and delivered.
In division two, for students in Years 10-12, Sensory 4 Sight was created by students from Seven Hills Public High School.
The concept uses an array of technologies including VR headsets and sensor gloves, leveraging computer vision and haptics, in order to allow people with vision impairments to play computer games online with other players.
Sensory 4 Sight envisages a player wearing a headset and gloves that vibrate to indicate what is happening in the game.
One of the brains and inventors behind the concept is visually impaired herself.
