Organization: ANGELO Point Network
Title: Breaking the Silence – The first ANGELO Hardware project’s open-source response to the WHO World Hearing Day 2026 – OSHWA certified UID IT000017
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
Disrupting the silence: First hardware project ANGELO’s open-source answer to WHO World Hearing Day 2026
Description:
Project ANGELO: Amplifying Emotions Through Open Innovation
Project ANGELO continues to redefine the boundaries of “Helpful Technology,” demonstrating how a simple, open-source initiative can bridge the gap between generations and foster social connection.
Two recent milestones—the seminar at Università 2000 and the success at Maker Faire—perfectly embody this mission of inclusive, community-driven innovation.
The Seminar at Università 2000: A Vision for Social Inclusion:
On February 17, 2026, a significant seminar was held at Università 2000 in Cassina de’ Pecchi. This event served as a vital step in promoting a culture of inclusion and awareness regarding the importance of sound in human relationships. The seminar brought together the project’s founder, Luciano Fumagalli, along with Dr. Lucia Tonion and Niccolò Leali, head of GorgoLab (an ANGELO Point).
The presentation focused on the power of community-based support. The speakers showcased ANGELO not as a clinical tool, but as a concrete social response to the challenges of isolation. In a world where many face barriers to communication, especially in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), ANGELO offers a frugal, “Safe-by-Design” alternative consisting of €15-35 in materials.
The community in Cassina witnessed how this “emotional bridge” reaches those often overlooked by the traditional market—such as elderly residents in community homes who seek a more vibrant connection with their loved ones.
Maker Faire: Grandchildren Building Bridges:
The most moving evidence of ANGELO’s inclusivity was demonstrated during the Maker Faire events in Trieste and Rome. The project was honored with the 1st Prize as Best Project for its unique ability to bridge generations: it is an object for grandparents that can be built by their grandchildren.
During these workshops, dozens of children aged 6 to 9 years old successfully assembled the ANGELO kit. What made this achievement truly disruptive was the tool-free design:
• No Tools Required: The children built the kits using a simple snap-fit assembly system, requiring no glue, screws, or soldering.
• Speed and Ease: Most children completed the assembly in just two minutes, proving that the technology “gets out of the way” to focus on the emotional outcome.
• Social STEM: By building these kits, children engaged in “Social STEM” education, learning about the physics of sound and the value of solidarity simultaneously.
A Global Standard for Inclusivity.
ANGELO is more than a prototype; it is a globally recognized open-hardware standard (OSHWA IT000017) that empowers communities to produce their own solutions locally. By transforming a complex concept into an engaging activity that a child can lead, Project ANGELO removes the barriers to interaction and replaces them with a shared experience.
As demonstrated at Università 2000 and the Maker Faire, when we share effort and add competencies, we multiply the results for those who seek to remain part of the conversation. Every euro invested in this project returns €76 in social value (SROI), proving that staying connected is a universal right, not a luxury.
ANGELO is for everyone, by everyone.
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Primary site: EUR – Italy
Region: EUR
Impactful Story:
Angelo has transformed Franco’s daily life by greatly improving how he experiences sound and communication. Thanks to the device, he can now follow conversations more easily and participate fully in group activities, without feeling left behind or dependent on others. Angelo’s clear and amplified audio helps him enjoy social moments, listen to music, and take part in workshops with renewed confidence. The device has also strengthened his relationships with friends and educators, because he can respond promptly and share his emotions. Overall, Angelo has reduced Franco’s sense of isolation and increased his independence and self-esteem.
General Photos
Grandma Luigina celebrates her 100th birthday with ANGELO!
ANGELO Vs Franco, a response to the fragility of proximity
ANGELO is for grandparents but can be built by grandchildren
ANGELO, amplifies emotions in nursing homes
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: No
Traditional media: No
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: children and adolescents, older adults
Met with individual policymaker: No
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: Yes
WHO educational and social media used: No