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Integration of Alternative Input Modalities

Several hardware components used to build custom assistive technologies

AsTeRICS is a free and Open-Source construction set for assistive technologies (AT). It allows the creation of flexible solutions for people with disabilities using a large set of sensors and actuators. Possible applications are  

  • Computer input (mouse, keyboard, joystick)
  • Environmental Control (KNX, FS20, IR)
  • Toys and Games (Playstation 3, computer games ...)
  • Brain/Neural computer interfaces (Enobio, OpenVIBE, OpenEEG)
  • Android Phone support (SMS, calls)

Overview

AsTeRICS provides a flexible and affordable construction set for developing user driven AT by combining emerging sensor techniques like Brain-Computer Interfaces and computer vision with basic actuators. People with reduced motor capabilities will get a flexible and adaptable technology at hand which enables them to access the Human-Machine-Interfaces (HMI) at the standard desktop but in particular also of embedded systems like mobile phones or smart home devices.

AsTeRICS implements a set of building blocks for the realisation of AT:

  • Sensors which allow the individual to exploit any controllable body or mind activity for interacting with HMI
  • Actuators for interfacing to standard IT, to embedded systems and to interact with the environment
  • An Embedded Computing Platform that can be configured to combine sensors and actuators to tailored AT-solutions which support the full potential of an individual user.

The core of the software suite is provided as Open Source. This way the complete system is affordable for many people who cannot benefit from leading edge supportive tools today.

AsTeRICS revolutionises the concept of AT: AT today mostly focuses on a certain task or situation. Due to the growing importance of the PC, AT has been oriented towards standard Human-Computer (HCI) or desktop interfaces. AsTeRICS respects the strong need for flexible, adaptable AT functionalities accompanying people with disabilities away from the desktop, enabling them to interact with a diverse and fast changing set of deeply embedded devices in our modern environment.