Sheltering Arms uses voice-activated technology to help patients who have lost mobility regain control

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Sheltering Arms Institute recently employed innovative new technology that can help patients regain their independence.

8News went to the facility to learn all about the center's new voice-activated technology. During the visit, the team met 22-year-old Jaiden Picot. He shared his story.

The Virginia Union University student was scootering to work last summer when a truck hit him -- paralyzing him from the chest down with a C4 spinal cord injury. This changed his life and altering the course of his senior year in college, but -- throughout his recovery journey -- Picot has maintained his sense of hope and determination.

"This is just temporary," Picot told 8News. "Just something I have to mentally stay strong and get through."

Picot works every day with his Sheltering Arms therapy team and technology, like a robotic exoskeleton, to regain mobility.

8News asked the student about his goals in therapy. He said he's already making progress.

"Just doing things on my own a lot more and just -- to progress [in] everything I do," he said of his goals. "Every time I come, I increase my weights [I lift, and] I'm able to do more with my arms."

Sheltering Arms Institute has utilized scientific innovation to help patients in far more ways than one. Sheltering Arms Clinical Science Director Amber Walter demonstrated how the device works.

"Hi, I'm Alexa," the device responded after being prompted by the hospital leader. "I'm here to make your stay more comfortable."

The team installed the Echo Dots in 30 patient rooms across their Spinal Cord Injury and Complex Care units. Walter said it helps give patients a modernized way to take control, but that it also helps make the hospital feel more like a home.

"Some of the things that we would traditionally need to do through the speaker that is on their bed, touching and moving those controls … they can do now via voice," Walter said.

8News even got to test out the software during the interview. One of the major features patients told our team they loved is the TV surfing element and 8News got the chance to tune into our own show from the patient's room.

Meanwhile, to Picot, it's music and the role it plays in helping him keep a positive mindset that really stands out.

"My last year of college, I had a lot of big plans and things I wanted to do before my accident," Picot reflected. "But now I'm trying to stay positive and I think of more things that I can physically do."

Sheltering Arms' devices are equipped with unique upgrades and special modifications that make them different from standard ones, like those one would purchase for a personal home. This is to ensure patient information remains private and secure, so there are no data confidentiality concerns.