GlassOuse Assistive Device Gives Extra Hands to Those With Limited Mobility
By Shelby Rogers (Interesting Engineering)
A new pair of glasses could help revolutionize computer usage in those with restricted mobility. The tech startup GlassOuse uses a modified pair of glasses to help people with no hands or no usage of their hands use technology.
Millions of people suffer from debilitating physical disabilities around the world. From amputations to strokes to neurological injury, these disabilities force people to reconfigure their lives. For someone who can’t use his hands, technology can be one of the most challenging aspects of a new life. Constantly texting on phones, researching online, or even posting a simple Tweet become infinitely more difficult. The company notes that over 30 million people can’t use their smart devices due to their disability. GlassOuse looks to be the universal device to assist with almost any technological need someone could have.
The glasses track head movement to move the cursor accordingly. A durable bite part clicks on whatever someone needs. The clicker is sensitive enough to register small bites yet durable enough to withstand more pressure. The battery cell can be used for up to 15 days of usage without a need for recharge. The app connects to Android and iOS systems as well as Windows PCs, Macs and Linus PCs.
GlassOuse founder Mehmet Turker has an immensely personal connection to the product.
A close friend of Turker’s suffered a severe spine injury while diving. Turker noticed the difficulty for doing once simple tasks, especially while using a smartphone.
“I am always asking the same question: can I make Caner’s life easier?” said Turker, “and that is why I created GlassOuse, which helps Caner and other people like him, to use a smartphone by themselves, just like we do every day.”
What makes the GlassOuse project even more interesting is that people can support it in two ways. There are nonprofit and for-profit perks. If you’re interested in purchasing a pair of glasses, the reward works the same as any other online product. By paying $149 and a $30 shipping fee, you’ll be guaranteed a pair of GlassOuse glasses.
However, there’s an option for people who want to help those in need with no use of their own GlassOuse systems. For $100, you gift your own set of GlassOuse glasses to someone in need. The company donates a pair of glasses to a number of organizations around the world. You’ll also get a shirt, a certificate and your name listed on the website. For $1,000, you donate 10 glasses to a non-profit organization. And, if you’ve got the capital to donate, a $10,000 donation gives you the previously mentioned rewards and you’ll visit Shenzen to meet the GlassOuse team.
The GlassOuse project reached its IndieGogo goal last summer, and since then, the company said they’ve sold units successfully worldwide. For more information about GlassOuse and their current projects and offers, check out their website here. You can even register for a free pair of GlassOuse glasses.
