Eyegaze and Smartbox

Lifelites is built on partnerships and bringing together the ever-evolving worlds of technology and children’s palliative care. From the very beginning, we have worked with dedicated, specialist technology partners. All have enabled us to deliver our ground-breaking work supporting children with life-limiting conditions to play, create and communicate in ways that would otherwise be impossible.

Meet Smartbox – Lifelites’ Partner in Ground-Breaking Eyegaze Technology

In this latest instalment of our 25 Voices series, we spoke with Graeme Innes, Head of UK and Ireland Sales at our partner Smartbox. Smartbox provides our ground-breaking Eyegaze system. Graeme has worked in assistive technology for 23 years, including 16 specialising in eye-tracking and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Over that time, Graeme has seen a rapid improvement in both hardware and software quality.

Since 2006, Smartbox has been developing Eyegaze technology and is now a world leader in the field. Its products include a range of AAC solutions, with its flagship software, Grid.

What is Eyegaze and How Does it Work?

As Graeme explains: “Eyegaze converts eye movement into computer input, allowing people to communicate, control technology, and do far more than they might otherwise be able to.

“Eyegaze technology enables children with disabilities and communication challenges to control software, generate speech, and take part in activities using only their eyes. For children with complex needs, AAC software can open the door to communication, play, and meaningful connection with their families and carers – helping them be heard, share feelings, and take part in family life.

The Power of AAC: Opening Doors to Communication and Connection

“Eyegaze is such an incredible technology. Used in the right way, it opens significant opportunities for disabled people. At Smartbox, we create software and hardware to help people with communication challenges or physical disabilities access the world and connect with those around them. Our technology helps individuals reach potentials they might not have even known were possible.

“Previously, barriers such as cost, support, and awareness limited access to this technology. In its early days, high costs made funding difficult, so only a few individuals could afford it. While challenges remain, exceptional progress means more people can now connect through assistive technology.

“Ensuring everyone has a voice is not just part of our ethos — it’s a core principle. In the first years of development, we focused on reducing costs and raising awareness so those who couldn’t otherwise afford it could still benefit. Our goal was to open the door for those with the greatest need, making Eyegaze and other assistive technologies accessible to all who could benefit.

Technological Evolution: From Static Eye Trackers to Flexible Solutions

“Initially, eye tracking cameras were fixed position, making it hard to position users comfortably. We prioritised improving accessibility, evolving from static cameras built into dedicated computers to stand-alone models offering greater flexibility. Today, these can be used with Windows PCs and iPads, giving people more choice in how and where they use the technology.

“As awareness improved, demand for Eyegaze assessments increased. This gave us valuable insight into how Eyegaze technology could be used with a wide range of children and adults, with complex needs. The more people we work with, the more we are encouraged to innovate and make products accessible.”

“The trajectory continues in a positive direction, with a focus on flexibility in both design and pricing. We’re making ongoing improvements for people who rely on AAC technology, pushing the boundaries of what eye tracking cameras and software can do. Our plans include enhancing how AAC supports participation in daily life, as well as developing communication skills.

“For children who have never communicated verbally or controlled technology, Eyegaze can open new ways to express themselves. We connect AAC users with the teams building it, incorporating feedback, supporting new features, and ensuring individuals’ needs shape the next generation of technology.

“Access to AAC is needed all day, every day, so improving eye tracking performance has been critical — enabling communication indoors, outdoors, in bright light, and even with limited eye movement. These advances come from understanding what matters most to those we support and working together to make it possible.”

The Smartbox Grid Software: A Complete AAC Solution

Smartbox’s Grid software brings together a wide range of AAC tools, providing seamless access to computer apps, smart home technology, education, games, social media, and more – all in a user-friendly format. Personalisation makes the technology engaging, motivating users to keep exploring and communicating. Graeme explains;

“For us, developing communication skills is just one part of the journey. We also focus on how AAC technology can be used to take part in daily life. That’s why we listen closely to user feedback – to ensure the technology works in the real world, all day, every day.

“I’ve been fortunate to meet many incredible individuals using Eyegaze technology to express who they really are, and achieve their goals, with access to education and work.”

Inspiring Story: Sarah Ezekiel’s Creativity with Eyegaze Technology

Among the many people using Smartbox technology is Sarah Ezekiel, Lifelites Patron, Eyegaze artist, and someone living with Motor Neurone Disease. Sarah uses a Grid Pad 13 with Eyegaze technology and an AI-generated voice based on her own speech. She has written and produced a stage show using her AAC device, bringing her story to life through art and performance.

“Sarah’s passion for life and determination to remain independent shines through everything she does. Her creativity and drive are inspiring examples of how AAC technology can empower people.”

A Shared Mission: Smartbox and Lifelites Bringing Joy to Children

“It’s been fantastic working with Lifelites to support families across the UK with access to eye gaze technology. Together, we hope that our AAC devices will help create joyful opportunities for children and young people, to have meaningful interactions they may never have experienced before. For Smartbox, partnering with an organisation whose mission so closely aligns with our own is incredibly important. On a personal level, working with Lifelites and hearing first-hand the stories of how this technology is changing lives is deeply rewarding – it means I can go home at the end of the day knowing I’ve genuinely made a difference. We’re committed to continuing our work with Lifelites and helping them in their mission moving forward.”

Dan Brand, Technology Trainer at Lifelites, said: “Eyegaze and the AAC software it uses is an absolute life-changing piece of technology for children and families. We have so many examples of parents realising the cognitive ability of their child through Eyegaze or being able to hear their child’s thoughts, wishes, dreams and fears for the first time. As well as vital communication, Eyegaze enables children and young people to play games, explore the internet, communicate with peers on social media and access learning. It gives them a voice and empowers independence, choice and control over what happens to them. We cannot thank Smartbox enough for working with us to bring Eyegaze to so many children and making such an incredible difference to thousands of families across the UK and Ireland.”