From inventing the steam engine to sending people out to space, we humans have taken huge leaps in a rather short amount of time. While some of the most marvellous innovations were realised gradually, today’s technological innovations are going forward at breakneck speeds. AI is one such tech sub-segment, which is progressing rapidly and now, the Spanish AI startup Irisbond has applied it to develop the first hands-free OS independent eye-tracking tech called Hiru.
Eye-tracking tech gets an upgrade
Irisbond is a technological company of Basque origin, founded by engineer Eduardo Jáuregui in 2013. The company’s solutions are based on advanced software algorithms, which use artificial intelligence to capture eye movements and translate them into precise actions on a screen. Eye-tracking is in no way a new technology, but via the startup’s’ offering Hiru, its availability across different platforms is a first.
Hiru is aimed at offering a new way of touchless communication during the pandemic. Computers, ATMs, elevators or even access control systems in an office building could potentially leverage Hiru’s touchless technology. This method could be much safer than a standard touch-based operation.
The Spanish startup is closing key contracts agreements for Hiru to be used in various sectors such as neuromarketing, automotive, research, industry 4.0, smart homes, robotics, health, and education. According to the company, pre-orders of Hiru are currently available and will be on sale to the public from January 2021. Working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Irisbond will be jointly investigating techniques to refine its algorithms further.
How it works
The eye-tracking tech uses AI-based software algorithms and the latest hardware to capture eye movement and translate it into precise orders on a user interface.
As per the company, the calibration process for the technology is also quite swift and intuitive. Irisbond technology’s offering is already in use by the main Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) market leaders and key centres such as the NHS with Smartbox. With Hiru, Irisbond aims to further grow its market in the UK, across a variety of industries.
Jauregui, CEO and co-founder of Irisbond says, “With Hiru, companies have the freedom to design and develop eye-tracking capabilities into any type of technology. This is, without a doubt, a giant step forward in eye-tracking technology which previously was very limited on its applications. This launch will improve key aspects such as cost, time and usability. An inspiring use case for Hiru is creating solutions that are suitable for people with reduced mobility, facilitating a more inclusive world for everyone.”
The market for eye tracking applications is also estimated to triple from €309.3M in 2020 to €922.87M in 2025. There’s said to be a high demand for the technology in the healthcare and marketing sector, both for personalised advertisements and behaviour monitoring. Eye-tracking tech is also finding applications in different consumer verticals. Also considering the current situation of the pandemic, eye tracking could provide an alternate means to operate various systems.
Image credits: Irisbond
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