ENPATHIA: COMPUTER ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH REDUCED OR NULL MOBILITY
In our society, it is hard to imagine a world without computers; however, individuals with reduced or no mobility in the upper limbs have not been able to take part in these advancements due to slow, expensive, and non user-friendly assistive technologies.
Categoría: casos de exito
EnPathia is a novelty product enables you to control your computer, keyboard and cursor, with various parts of your body such as your head, leg, wrist, etc. This system replaces traditional methods of textual input and interaction with the computer. Therefore, it improves the quality of life of individuals with severe motor impairments given that it improves their personal autonomy and allows them to be self-sufficient in computer use.
EnPathia adapts to all working methods, thus representing a simple and user-friendly tool affordable to individuals and associations.
A tested and improved product via UMA's support
The prototype was developed by Eneso, a University of Málaga spin-off, and needed to be tested with individuals having reduced mobility, so as to make the necessary improvements after getting their feedback. To achieve this, this group of entrepreneurs contacted –through OTRI- María Pilar Cobos and Yolanda Casado, teachers of UMA's Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatment who specialise in the field of disability.
This partnership has resulted in the product's functioning, results analysis and the system's improvement. Once these change were made and achieveing a correct functioning, Eneso and UMA applied for the patent.
At present, this product is being marketed in several countries, including Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, and UK. Likewise, EnPathia is being used in 245 Guadalinfo centres throughout Andalusia. These centres are open to everyone, providing them with access to new information and communication technology.
This product can be purchased via Eneso's Official Site for less than € 250 (VAT included) by means of PayPal, credit card or bank transfer. Moreover, it should be noted that EnPathia is included in the catalogue Assistive Devices Subsidizable by the Andalusian Government; therefore, any individual with disabilities can obtain the product free of charge.
Products for integration
In addition to EnPathia, Eneso has developed other products such as enCore, a USB interface for 8 standard switches. Likewise, Eneso is introducing existing products to the Spanish market.
Documentary on EnPathia in Con-Ciencia Programme, Canal Sur (aired March 3 of 2013). The documentary shows a set of interviews held with UMA researchers which helped improve the product, as well as the company, Eneso, that developed it. For further information on the TV Programme: http://www.canalsuralacarta.es/television/programa/con--ciencia/265”
Más información:
Documentary on EnPathia in Con-Ciencia Programme, Canal Sur (aired March 3 of 2013). The documentary shows a set of interviews held with UMA researchers which helped improve the product, as well as the company, Eneso, that developed it. For further information on the TV Programme:: http://www.canalsuralacarta.es/television/programa/con--ciencia/265” Company University of Málaga
Eneso María Pilar Cobos Álvarez
E-mail: info@eneso.es E-mail: mpcobos@uma.es
Tel: 902 00 55 61 Tel: 952 13 25 30