Smartphones and tablets are integral parts of the current society, but 15 million Americans have difficulty using this technology. The manner we use this technology is a barrier for people with limited motor skills to fully access the digital world.

Over the past few decades, computers have progressed from an experiment restricted to research facilities, to something each of us carries in our pockets. Yet, over the years, the manner of using technology hasn’t drastically changed. Interactions are still limited to what users can express with just hands and fingers.

Inspired by an episode of Black Mirror and Elon Musk’s Neuralink, it was obvious to Siddharth Bhujle, the Founder of CamUX, that these technology interactions needed to change. “There are only a few options for people with disabilities to interact with technology,” explained Bhujle, “and few are affordable through insurance companies. That’s only if they have good insurance.” 

By using non-physical input, CamUX seeks to increase the bandwidth of human expression when interfacing with a device, making it more efficient, natural, and immersive for everyone. “Everyone deserves equal opportunity when interfacing technology,” Bhujle stated. 

The population with limited motor skills is highly underrepresented and there are not many desirable or intuitive solutions. Current solutions from Apple and Microsoft do not provide ease of use and create difficulty for the user. “We are developing the world’s most affordable wearable peripheral that enables unique user experience for people with limited motor skills,” Bhujle said while discussing current solutions.

Deciding the best technology for more natural and valuable experiences in the digital world proved difficult for the team. Originally, EEG (electroencephalography) to “read” brain waves seemed like the best option. However, this path had many challenges, and the team decided to change the technology solution. Now the team is working on eye-tracking and tracking gaze concentration to create a more natural experience when controlling mouse function.

What I Wish I had Known

“Customer discovery is the most important aspect of starting a company,” stated Bhujle. Because the data related to the healthcare space is heavily protected, the founder had to be creative. “I finally took to Reddit and Facebook groups, once Covid-19 limited my ability to talk to people in person and made online conferencing an obvious tool to access everyone around the world,” Bhujle described.

Bhujle advises new entrepreneurs, “The direction your company goes should be almost completely dictated by your learning from conversations with potential customers”

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