By unlocking communication for people with severe disability, Earswitch Ltd has developed the next human-computer interface.
Working with the SABRE Programme, an ERDF-funded business support initiative led by the University of the West of England's Robotics Innovation Facility (RIFBristol), Earswitch is researching how its innovative technology can be used to control both assistive living and industrial robots, including feeding, wheelchair mounted and collaborative robot arms (cobots).
Alongside colleagues from the Bristol Robotics Laboratory's Assistive Robotics research group and experts from Rahana Life, RIFBristol's engineers are helping Earswitch (a member of the University's Launch Space programme for start-ups and entrepreneurs) to explore possibilities with regard to operating robotic hardware in a range of care settings and industrial sectors.
Thanks to the knowledge, support and provision of hardware from Rahana Life - leading experts in the assessment, specification and provision of assistive technology - early trials at BRL have been a success.
This video shows Dr Nick Gompertz, Founder and Director of Earswitch Ltd, operating a Universal Robots UR5 and an Obi dining companion, created by the robotics firm Desin, using his prototype in-ear device. The footage was captured in the SABRE Programme workspace at RIFBristol, part of the University Enterprise Zone on Frenchay Campus.
More videos to follow!
www.earswitch.co.uk/
www.rifbristol.com/sabre
www.bristolroboticslab.com/assistive-robotics
www.rahanalife.co.uk/
www.uwe.ac.uk/
www.uwe.ac.uk/life/campus-and-facilities/careers-and-enterprise-facilities/launch-space
www.meetobi.com/