In the palm of your hand — innovative keyboard and mouse design makes equal ability for persons with disabilities

We modern people always have our hands on the keyboard and mouse, but little did we know that there are blind spots in their design. For instance, it took many years for a mouse designed specifically for left-handers to come out, while our common keyboard design still excludes many people with different physical challenges.

According to statistics, around 1.4% of the population in Hong Kong faces upper limb disabilities. “We estimate that 46% of such disabilities involve shoulder conditions, which is equivalent to 0.6% of the population,” noted Ryan, Founder of the social enterprise AutoKeybo Limited (autokeybo.com). He is particularly aware of this, as he has also encountered recurring shoulder injuries, with difficulties operating a computer. “For people with long-term upper limb issues, it is even harder.” How can you transfer one hand across the keyboard and mouse, when you are unable to rotate your shoulder, or raise your arm, let alone both? “In modern society, a person’s capability with computers is so important that it impacts one’s financial situation, as it determines their productivity in the workplace,” Ryan pointed out.


His empathy drove him to seek solutions and develop an assistive device that features a modularized full-size keyboard (left and right) on the upper layer, numpad (left) and mouse (right) on the lower layer. Through AI image analysis, the device will detect hand orientation of the user, and automatically deliver the required module to the user, without the need for upper limb movement throughout the process. As Ryan described, the difference is akin to automatic and manual transmission of vehicles. “This design can also meet the needs of an efficient and convenient interface.” Innovative and futuristic, no additional software is required for this device.


Ryan applied for the Seed Funding of Impact Innovation Lab with his first prototype named AutoKeybo under “Equalizer Interface” project proposal, and was selected as one of the Incubatees. During the 6-month training, AutoKeybo went through various user testings, which allowed Ryan to upgrade the design according to real cases and circumstances. “MakerBay has been very supportive in providing opportunities, assistance, and resources in this regard, which also facilitated engagements with the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation and Society for Innovation and Technology in Social Work, gaining positive feedback. Impact Innovation Lab has also offered training, advice, workspace, and technical partners to Ryan.

Even though the product development period was longer than expected, Ryan was not frustrated. “Not sure if it has to do with my personality or experience, I enjoy what I do, and look forward to work every day, hoping to help those in need to improve their quality of life.” In his eyes, an inclusive society means people with different physical challenges receive equal resources and opportunities. Hence, his social cause is to make equal ability a reality for persons with disabilities. AutoKeybo has launched at get.autokeybo.com. It will debut at CES 2025, leading up to a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo—stay tuned.
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