IRISBOND eye-tracking device Hiru receives Made for iPad certification from Apple and begins expansion into U.S. market
Hiru’s eye-tracking technology offers new ways to interact and communicate, and is now compatible with iPadOS, in addition to Windows
IRISBOND, a pioneer in assistive technology, today announced that it has received Made for iPad certification from Apple for Hiru, an interactive eye-tracking device. Hiru is the first multi-platform eye-tracking device that works seamlessly with iPad devices running iPadOS 15 or later, in addition to Windows.
Hiru’s advanced AI-based software algorithms, combined with state-of-the-art hardware, capture eye movements and translate them into precise actions on iPadOS, giving users with physical and motor disabilities the option to use eye-tracking on iPadOS for communication, learning, work, and multimedia apps such as YouTube and Spotify.
The initiation process is intuitive and fast, with Hiru calibrating the user’s eye in just a few seconds. Hiru’s hardware ensures a seamless experience for the user, combining high-performance chip technology with ease of use. The camera and optical sensors provide greater precision and more autonomy. On iPadOS, Hiru users can use augmentative and assistive communication (AAC) applications like TouchChat – currently in beta phase.
Based on success in the European market, IRISBOND is expanding operations into the United States and has hired Mark Maragni to lead the new business venture. IRISBOND distributes its products through distributors to 36 countries in Europe, South America, and North America.
“Hiru helps users control iPadOS using eye-tracking, and facilitates communication for users with disabilities,” said Eduardo Jauregui, CEO and founder of IRISBOND. “This is a major step forward for eye-tracking technology and we are delighted to receive Apple’s Made for iPad certification. We are excited for iPad users to navigate their device using Hiru’s eye-tracking capabilities.
“Our Made for iPad certification can help accelerate accessibility and inclusivity,” continued Jauregui. “We believe that touchless technology like Hiru offers new opportunities for a safer, more inclusive world, especially as we enter a post-pandemic environment.”
“Our team is pleased to collaborate with Irisbond and excited by the possibilities the Hiru will offer the field of augmentative communication and assistive technology” says John Costello, Director of Augmentative Communication Program and Jay S. Fishman ALS Augmentative Communication Program at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Additionally, IRISBOND is working with the University Hospital of San Sebastian on a research study into how Hiru can be used to monitor eye movements that can help some users and medical providers gain insight into possible neurological and ophthalmological diseases.
