Periodic Reporting for period 1 - T-SKIN (Shaking-up user experience by introducing the first-in-kind arduino-programmable AI-driven gesture control wearable)
Reporting period: 2019-12-01 to 2020-05-31
We currently live in an era where more “things” are connected to the internet than people, while the natural user interface is still rapidly evolving. The gesture- and motion-controlled wearable technology is at the beginning of the IoT revolution, where day-to-day devices can connect and interact over the internet and can be controlled by hand/arm gestures from the users. Currently, the smart wearables market is facing “the wearable gap” created by technological challenges restricted applications and functionalities, resulting in decreased consumer excitement from currently commercially available wearable devices. Next industries offers an interoperative IoT solution, which simplifies the man-machine interface and is readily accessible to users of all ages and backgrounds, ranging from computer novice to technology-savvy. Tactagon Skin (T-Skin –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oDM2hIA_J4) is the first open source wearable gesture and motion controller, which enables advanced technology solutions to be freely accessible across applications and to the broader audience. T-Skin is powered by Arduino integrated development environment (IDE), which enables the users to perform extensive customization of the device using Sketch Arena software to program and control various applications such as robots, PC games, VR/AR, drones, 3D printers and computers. In addition, T-Skin is equipped with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm, which further increases performance in gesture capture and motion recognition in any environment. With this feasibility study, Next Industry aimed at assessing the feasibility of developing the T-Skin as a Human Machine Interface device in two markets. The main objectives of this study were to perform an in-depth market research and competitors’ analysis in order to develop a commercialisation strategy to specific end users and to consolidate the business plan based on these findings.
Next Industries performed primary and secondary market research on two potential business cases for its technology. Importantly, through this market research, Next Industries identified a promising business case with significant technological gap and users’ needs that the T-Skin could address. Moreover, a thorough competitors’ analysis has highlighted the market share of the main competitors as well as the T-Skin’s competitive advantages. The conditions of the market and the customers’ feedback have finally allowed to lay out a commercialisation strategy that minimises the risk while maximising the profit ahead of market launch. Additionally, Next industries has expanded its network of potential commercial partners and customers by attending events and conferences. The feasibility study also included the update and consolidation of the company’s business plan – a must-have in preparation for an upcoming financing round and towards commercialisation of the T-Skin.
To effectively address the ‘wearables gap’ in smart gesture controls, developers must create a device that is able to accurately and rapidly capture and recognise gesture and motion in any environment. Next Industries is advancing beyond the state-of-the-art by introducing the first programmable, wearable gesture controller, which enables advanced technology solutions to be freely accessible to the broader audience. T-Skin is a man-machine interface revolution that is equipped with an AI algorithm, which enables faster and precise gesture capture and motion recognition in any environment. The open source software solutions make T-Skin widely applicable and customizable. The Arduino software (IDE) makes it easy to write code and upload it to the Sketch Arena, which is an application that can change the behaviour of the T-Skin. All sketches are open source and can be amended and uploaded into the arena by users, making the T-skin a versatile, universal gesture controller suitable for end-users with different interests and levels of technology expertise.