SA
Abby the robotic nurse jet fuelled by ORT
Josh Lasker, an ORT Jet beneficiary, is a founding partner and head of development of a robotic nurse named Abby – an automated, self-service, health-screening kiosk.
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Abby can do 12 health checks in less than two minutes, print a ticket comparing the results to normal values, and/or send them to a secure web portal on your phone.
This invention won Lasker the Startup Jerusalem Competition 2018 for South Africa, run by the Embassy of Israel.
“ORT Jet has been invaluable in helping me on this start-up journey,” Lasker said. “It’s great to have a support structure you can rely on that opens up its network to small businesses in need of strategic partners and support. I intend to continue our relationship.”
His prize was an intense, all-expenses-paid, five-day experience in Israel, where winners from across the globe were joined by local Israeli entrepreneurs.
“It was incredible,” Lasker said. “A jam-packed programme from 07:00 to midnight, networking with other start-ups and going to lectures, workshops, and meetings with Israeli investors and professionals.
Over the past two years, with the help of his ORT Jet-assigned mentor, Elizabeth Goldberg, Lasker has been developing the business side of the invention, setting up stations at South African Police Services, various medical aids, and private companies interested in promoting the health of their staff.
“Liz has been there to lend an experienced ear whenever I need an outside perspective. Her selflessness in giving up her time to help others is admirable,” Lasker said.
“The next step is to make Abby available and accessible to all South Africans, followed by roll out to other suitable African countries. “The positive feedback has been overwhelming. The future looks bright for Abby,” he said.