Georgia Tech spinout Kinemo launched a wearable device that lets people with paralysis control power wheelchairs, smartphones, and computers using facial gestures and small body movements. A tilt of the head accelerates the wheelchair. An eyebrow raise triggers the brakes. Opening your jaw scrolls a smartphone screen or drags and drops files on a computer.

The device uses small sensors placed on the body and a neck-worn hub that converts movements into commands. It's designed for people with high cervical spinal cord injuries, ALS, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and other conditions that limit upper-body mobility. The technology is currently in active clinical testing with Shepherd Center and the VA's Richmond Assistive Technology Program.

How the Technology Works

Kinemo's system uses sensors adhered to the user's body to capture facial expressions and other small movements. The neck-worn hub processes these gestures and translates them into device commands in real time.

Users can configure three body parts to perform up to 18 different actions. The device works with power wheelchairs, smartphones, laptops, and other digital devices. This means someone with limited upper-body mobility can navigate their wheelchair, send emails, browse the web, make calls, and stream content without caregiver assistance.

The technology was developed through Georgia Tech's Inan Research Lab and refined in collaboration with Shepherd Center clinicians and patients. User testing was funded by a Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.

What This Means for Families

For families caring for someone with paralysis or severe mobility limitations, existing control options typically fall into two categories: sip-and-puff systems that require sustained breath control, or switch systems that require precise head or finger movements. Both can be exhausting to use for extended periods.

Kinemo's approach captures subtle facial gestures that many people with high spinal cord injuries retain even when they've lost hand and arm function. An eyebrow raise or jaw movement requires less sustained effort than sip-and-puff breathing and may be easier to control than a single-switch system that requires holding a head position.

The device also consolidates multiple functions into one wearable system. Instead of separate control systems for a wheelchair, a phone, and a computer, Kinemo handles all three. This could reduce the number of devices a person needs to manage and the complexity of switching between control modes throughout the day.

Clinical Testing and VA Partnership

Kinemo engaged with clinical partners at the VA Richmond Assistive Technology Program during device development. Seth Hills, a rehabilitation engineer at the VA program, noted that "having direct collaboration with the end user is critical" to refining usability and device placement.

The VA partnership signals potential pathways for insurance coverage for veterans with disabilities. While the device isn't yet commercially available, VA involvement in early testing suggests the department is evaluating it as a potential covered assistive technology option.

Shepherd Center, a rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord and brain injuries, is also conducting clinical testing. Families receiving care at Shepherd Center may be able to inquire about trial participation or early access programs.

What Families Can Do Now

If you're caring for someone with limited upper-body mobility, here's what you can do while Kinemo moves through clinical trials:

• Monitor the company's progress: Check Kinemo's website for updates on commercial availability and trial results.
• Ask your rehabilitation team: If you're working with Shepherd Center or VA Richmond, ask whether trial participation is available for your family member.
• Document current control challenges: Keep notes on how your family member currently operates their wheelchair and devices, what works, and what's frustrating. This information will help you evaluate whether Kinemo addresses your specific needs when it becomes available.
• Review Section 504 plans: Students who use assistive technology may need Section 504 accommodations to ensure device access during the school day.

Where Kinemo Stands in Development

The device has completed user testing funded by federal research grants and is actively being evaluated by clinical partners. Kinemo has not announced pricing, FDA approval status, or a commercial release date.

For families, this means the technology is real and actively being tested with patients, but it's not yet available for purchase. The VA and Shepherd Center partnerships suggest the company is working through the clinical validation process required for medical device approval and insurance coverage.

The full research announcement is available on the Georgia Tech Research News website.