Empowering independence: How AKIN scales assistive tech with Optus
AKIN is redefining the future of assistive technology with AI-driven solutions designed to support individuals with disabilities, aging adults, and those in need of greater independence. As a Public Benefit AI company and NDIS provider, AKIN’s mission is to harness technology for good - enhancing lives, not just connecting devices.
At the heart of AKIN’s innovation is Hey Pixi, an AI-powered digital assistant designed to empower individuals and their families, providing organisation for busy lives, tracking and achieving goals, and spend more time doing the things people love. Akin is also pioneering domestic robots to help with complex task support and running daily life.
With Optus as a trusted partner, AKIN has scaled its operations, improved service reliability, and expanded its impact – ensuring vulnerable individuals receive the support they need to live independently and thrive.
“Optus has been with us every step of the way, and as we grow globally, we want to continue this journey with them.”
Liesl Yearsley, CEO, AKIN
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The Before
Navigating complexity: Ensuring reliable, scalable assistive technology
Before partnering with Optus, AKIN faced significant barriers in delivering seamless technology solutions for NDIS participants. Their existing setup lacked visibility, scalability, and flexibility - leaving them constrained by costly, rigid contracts that failed to meet their evolving needs.
Key challenges included:
- Operations instead of innovation, with engineering time spent dealing with daily tasks instead of building new technology.
- Limited visibility into device performance, making troubleshooting difficult.
- Unreliable connectivity impacting participants’ ability to access essential support.
- Inflexible commercial models that led to excessive costs and inefficiencies.
- Third-party control over Knox device management, restricting AKIN’s autonomy.
AKIN knew they needed more than just a provider – they needed a true technology partner who understood their mission and could enable them to grow.
“When you are innovating across multiple fronts, serving a community with complex support needs, and also working hard to stay true to your mission or purpose over profit; you really want to spend your time with the people you serve. Optus gave us the reliability and transparency we needed to focus on things that really matter to us”.
Liesl Yearsley, CEO, AKIN
The Solution
A seamless, scalable, and human-centric connectivity solution
Optus worked closely with AKIN to tailor a connectivity solution that not only resolved their immediate challenges but also positioned them for long-term scalability.
Key components of the solution included:
- Dedicated account management: A single point of contact ensuring AKIN’s evolving needs were met, providing proactive support at every step.
- Samsung Knox implementation: Full migration and ownership of device management, allowing AKIN to safeguard participant data, control app access, and enhance security.
- Flexible connectivity plans: Supporting assistive devices to enable, mobile, data and IoT connection, ensuring reliable communication and independence in daily living.
- Reliable mobile network: Optus’ network provided AKIN’s participants seamless access to support services across Australia.
- Subsidised devices for clinical trials: Optus’ partnership enabled AKIN to accelerate their University of Sydney trials, helping validate Hey Pixi’s effectiveness in improving independence for individuals with disabilities.
“Optus didn’t just sell us a package. They took the time to understand our business challenges, tailor solutions, and connect us with the right partners. That’s what makes the difference.”
Liesl Yearsley, CEO, AKIN
The Results
Transforming lives through technology and trust
Since implementing Optus’ solutions, AKIN has experienced tangible benefits that extend far beyond cost savings. Their newfound ability to scale, coupled with reliable connectivity and enhanced security, has transformed both their operations and the experience of the individuals they support.
Enhanced support for NDIS participants: Participants now experience seamless access to Hey Pixi, helping them track goals, manage daily routines, and receive timely reminders to stay on top of their wellbeing.
Seamless transition and full device control: The migration to Knox provided AKIN with full oversight, eliminating reliance on third-party providers and reducing administration time.
Operational efficiency and cost reduction: Flexible plans reduced excess charges, enabling predictable cash flow and scalable growth.
Stronger partnerships for growth: Collaboration with Optus and Samsung enabled AKIN to leverage industry expertise, accelerating their impact in the assistive technology space.
“As a Public Benefit AI company, we put people first. NDIS participants need trust, reliability, and care – and our partnership with Optus helps us deliver that, because they share our commitment to social impact.”
Liesl Yearsley, CEO, AKIN
The Future
Scaling innovation: AI in every home
AKIN’s vision extends beyond assistive technology. Their goal is to bring AI-driven personal assistants into every home – empowering individuals of all abilities to lead independent lives.
Upcoming initiatives include:
Expanding Hey Pixi – Broader deployment of AI-driven assistive technology to more NDIS participants.
Advancing Robotics with Hey Aly & Hey Indi – AI-powered robots designed to provide companionship, assist in daily tasks, and support individuals with mobility challenges.
Further information
To find out more about partnering with Optus, contact your account manager or request a call back below.
Customer profile
About
AKIN is a Public Benefit AI company dedicated to improving lives through AI-driven assistive technology. Their flagship product, Hey Pixi, empowers individuals with disabilities to manage their daily lives more independently.
Industry
Assistive Technology & AI
Website URL
www.akin.com | www.heypixi.com.au
Headquarters:
Australia
Solutions provided by Optus
- Samsung Knox Device management: Full control over devices, enhancing security and efficiency.
- Dedicated account management: Proactive support and tailored solutions.
- Reliable mobile & IoT connectivity: Ensuring seamless support for assistive technology for NDIS participants.
- Flexible commercial models: Cost-effective, scalable solutions for AKIN’s unique needs.
- Optus Loop.