Officially announced “TD Pilot” that allows you to operate the iPad with your eyes.Also equipped with a wheelchair mount-Engadget Japanese version

Apple is focusing on accessibility, which is the ability to make information and services more accessible to people with disabilities. In May of this year, we announced various new functions, and one of them, “TD Pilot,” a third-party product that enables “controlling the iPad with your eyes,” was officially announced.

Tobii Dynavox, the assistive technology division of eye-tracking company Tobii, has been working with Apple for years. Developed as a result of that effort, “TD Pilot” is said to have aimed to provide the iPad experience to an estimated 50 million people in need of communication assistance worldwide.

This TD Pilot is basically a frame for the iPad, supports large sizes such as the iPad Pro 12.9 inches, and is equipped with a large speaker, extended battery, wheelchair mount, etc. It also has waterproof and dustproof functions, so it can be used even on rainy days or when taking a shower.

In addition, the “partner window” on the back allows TD Pilot users to read out what they want to say, making it possible to enjoy more natural conversations. Most importantly, it has the latest eye-tracking sensor developed by Tobii Dynavox. The sensor is powerful enough to work in bright sunlight, and it is described that it can even play some iPad OS games unless it requires extremely fast movements.

It is not cheap because it has such high performance, and the total cost of TD Pilot may reach 10,000 dollars (about 1.14 million yen) even excluding the iPad itself. Fredrik Ruben, CEO of Tobii Dynavox, already has about 400 insurance policies, covered by Medicare (US public health insurance for the elderly) and Medicaid (public health insurance for low-income earners). It suggests that users do not necessarily pay the full amount.

However, unlike Japan, in the United States, which is not universal health insurance, the number of people who can use both Medicare and Medicaid is limited. In order for more people to benefit from advanced accessibility, it is likely that more public support systems will be required.

Source:Engadget(US)