Credits: HomeBrace Germany UG I DQBD GmbH
Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3, Picture 4 

Manufacturer
HomeBrace Germany UG
DE-73660 Urbach
www.homebrace.com

Design
DQBD GmbH
DE-73614 Schorndorf
www.dqbd.de 

It’s a rare disease, but one that often has a severe impact: people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis can suffer a complete loss of muscle function, resulting in paralysis. Stephen Hawking and German artist Jörg Immendorff both suffered from ALS – without it affecting their intellectual abilities. While special electric wheelchairs can restore some degree of self-determination, they have to be controlled somehow. Systems that translate eye movements into motion commands provide a solution. MyEcc Pupil consists of a headset with an integrated sensor that tracks all eye movements and sends the data to an analysis software. In addition to the wheelchair, the user can actively control a robotic arm in the same way.
Thanks to the additive production process, the light and robust headset integrates the sensor, cable and port and can be customised for a perfect fit. Another benefit is that the headset uses phototropic lenses and has been optimised so that the system is the first of its kind to work in bright sunlight.

Jury
There’s no question that the headset is the visible centrepiece of this innovative system – it cleverly integrates the technical components and solar protection, doesn’t look bulky and doesn’t stigmatise the wearer. What’s more, the design makes optimal use of the customisation possibilities provided by additive manufacturing.