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Press Release26 August 2024Siemens AGAthens
Empowering independence: TOBEA and Siemens to transform beach accessibility for people with disabilities
SEATRAC gives people with disabilities access to the sea (© Tobea)
People with disabilities face a significant challenge if they want to go to the beach and enter the water by themselves. Traditional beach infrastructure often lacks the necessary accommodations, making it difficult, if not impossible, for those with mobility issues to enjoy the seaside. SEATRAC, an innovative product developed by TOBEA, addresses this problem by providing a solution that facilitates autonomous access to the sea. By incorporating Siemens’ advanced control technology, SEATRAC ensures reliable and uninterrupted operation, allowing individuals with disabilities to experience the freedom and joy of the beach largely without any extra assistance.
“Our collaboration with TOBEA on the SEATRAC project is a testament to our commitment to inclusion and innovation,” said Gerhard Gleitsmann, Head of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office of Siemens AG. “By leveraging our advanced technologies, we are breaking down barriers and enabling people with disabilities to enjoy the freedom and joy of the beach independently. This is a powerful example of how we can drive positive change and improve quality of life through sustainable and inclusive solutions. This is technology with purpose.”
The experience of using SEATRAC is shared by Panagiotis Pitsiniagas: “The sea is a completely different world for me: a world without gravity to limit me. It was also one of the first things I felt my disability took away from me. Years later, I realized that it wasn’t my disability that kept me away, but the lack of infrastructure.”
Siemens’ central controller technology is the “brain” of SEATRAC, providing advanced communication and technology functions. It ensures that the system runs smoothly and reliably, even in difficult coastal environments, with features like remote control and fault diagnosis. Any issues are quickly reported via email for timely maintenance, keeping SEATRAC operational year-round. The system also includes security measures to prevent unauthorized access and protect its unique algorithms.
“Siemens and TOBEA joined forces to improve the lives of people with disabilities or mobility problems,” said Ignatios Fotiou, President of TOBEA and one of SEATRAC’s developers. “TOBEA leverages Siemens expertise in the development and production of SEATRAC, the first device that helps people enjoy the sea without needing any extra help. We are glad to investigate the creation of new products, together with Siemens.”
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Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company, Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €74.9 billion and net income of €8.5 billion. As of September 30, 2023, the company employed around 305,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.
TOBEA, a spin-off company from the University of Patras, began its journey in 2012. The company's mission is the design, construction, and promotion of engineering applications aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Further information is available on the Internet at www.tobea.gr.