Case Study: EarSwitch achieves hands-free digital control with Newicon

EarSwitch launches in-ear assistive control with Newicon

EarSwitch, a health technology company, approached Newicon, a software development company and part of The Product Partnership (TPP) collective, with a challenge. They needed to develop a database and data analysis software to support groundbreaking research into using a small ear muscle for assistive communication. This initial work was crucial for securing funding. A subsequent phase required Newicon to integrate this complex software into a custom-built, in-ear hardware device to create a functional accessibility tool.

Newicon developed a sophisticated data storage and analysis system that enhanced the research algorithm's efficiency. For the device, they adapted the algorithm to run on the hardware, wrote system services for automatic startup, and developed a configurable application for caregivers. The resulting EarSwitch device is a groundbreaking assistive technology that allows users with severe neurological impairments to control digital interfaces hands-free via ear muscle movement. Newicon's work was instrumental in transforming the research into a practical, multifunctional tool that now actively improves communication for its users.

EarSwitch