Dextroware, incubated at IIT-Madras Research Park, is one of several start-ups working to produce assistive technology for disabled people. It has designed and manufactured MouseWare, a device that helps individuals who are unable to use hand functions to navigate a screen on a computer or smartphone. This is done simply using head movements. The device, which has sensors, is strapped on to the forehead of the person and used through head movements just like a mouse is used with hand movements. “One of our users used the device to create wonderful paintings, something which we could not even think of when we created the device,” said Monika Singh, social impact coordinator at the startup, who demonstrated the device to students at the Museum of Possibilities in Chennai.

NeoMotion, again incubated at the IIT Madras Research Park, has created customized wheelchairs as well as portable e-bikes. The model NeoBolt, demonstrated by sports coach and ‘Neochampion’ Mr. Selvam, is an e-bike with a wheelchair attached that can be easily disengaged from the device by the user. It can be customized and allows the user to move freely indoors and outdoors. NeoBolt costs Rs.1.05 lakhs including the battery, which needs to be replaced after every 10,000 kilometers. “Neobolt does not require a driving licence, and it has made my life much easier than before,” says Selvam.