Is it possible to perform everyday tasks such as selecting a screen option, calling a lift or withdrawing cash from an ATM just by eye contact? Digital progress knows no limits and how we interact with different devices is rapidly changing.

Proof of this can be found in ‘eye tracker’ systems such as Hiru, a multi-platform technological device that can become a wonderful ally, not only for people with reduced mobility suffering, for example, from diseases such as ALS, but for practically everybody as, nowadays, surfaces that have been in contact with Covid-19, for instance, could become sources of infection.

On the other hand, and far as future developments are concerned, this technology might eventually become a supporting tool with regard to developing, among other options, applications for autonomous transport and automation.

The device was launched in January 2021 by a Basque start-up called Irisbond. It received highly specialised technological support from the Tekniker technology centre, a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), to develop the product’s complete mechanics and electronics for connection to other devices such as tablets or PCs via USB ports.

To achieve this goal, Tekniker, an organisation characterised by extensive experience with regard to developing electronic products, certification processes and in-house testing instruments, has developed the electronic design of the device (harware, low-level drivers, base software to produce its own operating system), as well as the mechanical features and product aesthetics.

The end result is a state-of-the-art ‘eye tracker’, featuring internal processing capabilities, enhanced resolution and high-speed image acquisition. Another competitive advantage is that it is the only device of its kind that can run on all three major tablet and smartphone operating systems: Microsoft (Windows), Apple (iOS) and Android.

In order to access the market and eventually be sold in Europe and the United States, this product originating from the collaboration between Tekniker and Irisbond had to pass a stringent and complex certification process associated with CE and FCC marking. It has taken less than a year to develop, test, certify and launch a product that can now be sold all over the world.

Electronic devices such as Hiru must pass a number of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) trials to certify that a number of requirements are fully met with regard to safety of use and electrical safety.

Both the technology centre’s experience when dealing with products of this kind as well as the certification processes have been fundamental. Tekniker, in fact, owns testing instruments to validate solutions developed by the organisations internally.

Thanks to this solution, companies will now be able to carry out initiatives for which it is necessary control any kind of device by eye contact only. In fact, several potential applications have been considered for the automotive sector, neuromarketing, research, smart homes, robotics, health or education.