NUS Graduate Wins James Dyson Award with Innovative Tool to Enhance Mammogram Comfort

Congratulations to Luke Goh, a 26-year-old industrial design graduate from the National University of Singapore (NUS), who has been named the National Winner of the James Dyson Award. His groundbreaking invention, Mammosense, aims to revolutionize the mammogram experience by reducing patient discomfort.

Inspired by his mother’s painful mammogram experience, Luke developed Mammosense, a first-of-its-kind tool designed to optimize breast compression during screenings. Breast cancer, the most common cancer among women in Singapore, affects nearly 30% of all cancer patients, with 1 in 13 women diagnosed in their lifetime. Despite the high incidence, 46% of potential patients avoid mammograms due to discomfort.

Currently, radiographers estimate the compression needed during mammograms, which can lead to over- or under-compression and discomfort. Mammosense addresses this issue by using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to analyze individual breasts and determine the ideal compression force. This data-driven approach helps minimize discomfort while ensuring clear imaging.

Early trials of Mammosense have demonstrated a 34% reduction in force exertion and a 25% decrease in reported pain during breast compression. Winning the James Dyson Award will provide Luke with S$8,400 to further develop and refine Mammosense. His goal is to create a practical, cost-effective solution that encourages widespread adoption by healthcare providers.

Currently patented in Singapore in partnership with NUS and National University Hospital (NUH), Mammosense is set for further development. Luke is working on enhancing LiDAR detection resolution and conducting larger pilot tests with local hospitals to assess its effectiveness in improving screening experiences.

Runners-Up

yaR: This innovative pendant, created by NUS and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) students, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assist the visually impaired in understanding their surroundings and navigating their environment. Named “yaR,” meaning “friend” in Hindi, it aims to provide greater independence for those who require visual assistance.

airXeed Radiosonde: Developed by Shane and Danial from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), this reusable weather data collection instrument is inspired by the spinning motion of maple seeds. It offers a sustainable solution for weather monitoring with improved efficiency and accuracy, reducing the environmental impact of traditional single-use radiosondes.

All three innovations will advance to the international stage of the James Dyson Award, competing for a chance to win S$50,500. The international top 20 shortlist will be announced on 16 October, with winners revealed on 13 November.

The James Dyson Award celebrates the next generation of design engineers and operates across 29 countries. It supports inventive solutions to global challenges, with over £1 million in prize money awarded through the James Dyson Foundation.