Revolutionary earbuds developed in Vancouver to dramatically change life for disabled

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Revolutionary earbuds developed in Vancouver to dramatically change life for disabled Time Magazine named the technology one of their Best Inventions of 2023 Photo by NICK PROCAYLO / PNG

Article content Imagine you could move an object with your eyes or transport yourself with the slightest shift of a muscle. It sounds like the stuff of magic, but thanks to Naqi Logix, a Vancouver tech company, that magic is now a reality. The Naqi technology is an invisible human-to-machine interface that uses gyroscopic sensors and biosensors to read nearly imperceptible body movements — the tilt of a head, the blink of an eye — to send signals that can control virtually any smart device.

Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.

Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.

Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.

Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Get email updates from your favourite authors. Don't have an account? Create Account or Sign in without password New , a new way to login View more offers

Article content It enables the user to use any digital device and navigate virtual worlds, AR/VR (augmented/virtual reality) and the metaverse, as well as hard technologies like wheelchairs. No brain implant, no hands, no voice or screens are required. The non-invasive technology can be tucked into earbuds, eyeglasses or virtually any wearable medium and operates via bluetooth Time Magazine named the technology one of their Best Inventions of 2023, but it’s unique in another way too: This visionary technology was dreamed up and patented in America by tech inventor David Segal, and brought to Canada for development by a local entrepreneur Mark Godsy. “It’s a true Canadian tech story,” said Naqi’s co-founder and brand strategist, Miro Cernetig, “one of the rare times you see a Canadian company bringing ideas from the U.S. and building them here.” Naqi tapped former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan, who is quadriplegic, to test drive a custom-made set of Naqi earbuds with the device — which is about the size of a Tic Tac breath mint — embedded inside. Sullivan said it took just seconds to master the technology.

Sunrise Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content Photo by NICK PROCAYLO / PNG “Right away I was able to turn in my wheelchair, go back and forth and do all these fine adjustments and motions. It was easy, immediate and intuitive.” Sullivan called it a “game-changer” for members of the disabled community, something that could replace traditional sip-and-puff technology that many disabled users find fatiguing and cumbersome. “You have to have this thing in your mouth, you have to be able to sip and to puff,” said Sullivan. “This offers opportunities to turn heat on and off, adjust volume on television, or perform a wide variety of functions just through tilting the head, or moving a muscle in the eye or the jaw,” said Sullivan. “For quality of life, all people with disabilities are dependent on technology. The better the technology, the better the quality of life.” “I’ve been looking for this all my life,” said Sullivan. For Sullivan, it’s even better that Vancouver is where this technology is being developed, tested and built. “Vancouver has been on the forefront of inclusive design, and has a history of community heroes like Terry Fox and Rick Hansen. It makes sense if we could brand Vancouver as a centre for innovation in tech related to accessibility,” said Sullivan

Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Share this article in your social network