Screen capture of an Apple Vision Pro overlay showing power wheelchair functions.
Apple has launched an eye-tracking system designed as an alternative driving control choice for power wheelchair riders.
“Leveraging the precision eye-tracking system on Apple Vision Pro, a new power wheelchair control feature offers users a responsive input method for compatible alternative drive systems,” Apple said in a May 19 announcement. “With Vision Pro, eye tracking doesn’t require frequent recalibration and works in a variety of lighting conditions.”
Vision Pro is the company’s headset that blends digital content with the real world by overlaying apps and windows into its user’s physical space — what Apple referred to as a spatial computer during the Vision Pro’s 2023 launch. The system is controlled by the user’s eyes, hands and/or voice.
The new Vision Pro feature is launching with Tolt Technologies (eye tracking technology) and LUCI (sensor systems) in the United States. “Apple will continue to work with developers to expand support for more wheelchair drive systems,” the company added.
“With this new feature, Apple is developing life-enhancing technology for the people who need it most,” said Pat Dolan, who has lived with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for 10 years and is the founder of GeoALS.
Dolan is also a member of Team Gleason’s patient advisory board. Team Gleason was founded by former football player Steve Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS at age 34.
“Over the past decade, we’ve seen eye-driven wheelchair systems evolve in incredible ways,” said Blair Casey, CEO for Team Gleason. “Leveraging Apple Vision Pro’s eye-tracking capabilities in this way is a huge step forward. Team Gleason is proud to support this initiative and excited to see the benefits it can bring to people who use power wheelchairs.”
Image courtesy Apple.
