Control Bionics has partnered with Tobii Dynavox to pilot its NeuroNode technology across five US states, aiming to enhance communication access for users of augmentative devices.
- Six-month pilot agreement in northwestern US
- NeuroNode to complement Tobii Dynavox’s AAC solutions
- NeuroNode replaces previous US partner for Tobii Dynavox
- Control Bionics leverages surface electromyography technology
- Potential for broader US market expansion
A Strategic Step into the US Market
Control Bionics Limited, an Australian medical device innovator, has taken a significant step towards expanding its footprint in the United States by entering a six-month pilot distribution agreement with Tobii Dynavox. The collaboration focuses on integrating Control Bionics’ NeuroNode technology with Tobii Dynavox’s established augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, targeting users with communication disabilities.
The pilot will run across five states in the northwestern US, marking a targeted regional approach that replaces Tobii Dynavox’s previous partner in this territory. This move signals Tobii Dynavox’s confidence in NeuroNode’s potential to enhance its product offering and provide users with an alternative access method.
Innovating Communication Access
NeuroNode is a wireless wearable device that detects subtle muscle signals through surface electromyography (sEMG), translating these into computer commands. When combined with Tobii Dynavox’s eye gaze technology, NeuroNode acts like a mouse button, enabling faster and less fatiguing communication for users who may struggle with traditional access methods.
Control Bionics has been a pioneer in sEMG technology for over 20 years, and this partnership leverages that expertise to complement Tobii Dynavox’s global leadership in AAC solutions. The integration of these technologies could offer users a more versatile and efficient way to interact with communication aids, potentially improving quality of life for individuals with severe disabilities.
Looking Beyond the Pilot
Jeremy Steele, CEO of Control Bionics, expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting the potential for meaningful impact and broader expansion in the US market. While the pilot is limited in scope and duration, success could pave the way for a wider rollout and deeper integration within Tobii Dynavox’s product ecosystem.
Control Bionics is also advancing its NeuroStrip technology, a miniaturised EMG device aimed at new markets such as health diagnostics and sports performance, which could further diversify its growth avenues.
Operating across North America, Australia, Singapore, and Japan, Control Bionics’ strategic partnerships and technological innovations position it well in the competitive medical device landscape, particularly within the niche of assistive communication technologies.
Bottom Line?
The pilot with Tobii Dynavox could redefine communication access in the US, but its long-term success remains to be seen.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the pilot lead to a full-scale US distribution partnership?
- How will users respond to NeuroNode compared to existing access methods?
- What financial impact might this partnership have on Control Bionics’ growth?