Comparison of 3 Eye-Tracking Devices | Ayumi Explains the Latest Prices, Subsidy Programs, and How to Choose in 2026

Various systems have been implemented to make life more comfortable for people with speech disabilities.

In the past, written communication was often used, but recently, devices have emerged that make communication easier.

Among them, the eye-tracking device, a type of welfare equipment, allows individuals with difficulties in expressing their intentions to communicate, making it one of the important technologies.

The price of eye-tracking devices varies by model, ranging from about 200,000 yen to several million yen.

For individuals with ALS, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injuries who cannot use their hands, these devices enable them to operate a computer or tablet using only eye movements. Many people purchase these devices by utilizing the "prosthetic device cost subsidy system," reducing their out-of-pocket expenses to less than 10%.

However, the accuracy, compatible operating systems, and required eye movement levels vary by model, so choosing a device that does not match the user's condition and purpose may result in it not being utilized effectively.

In this article, for individuals with ALS, intractable diseases, and severe disabilities, as well as their families and supporters,① the prices and features of the three main eye-tracking devices, ② the application procedure using the prosthetic device cost subsidy system, ③ five checkpoints to confirm before purchase, and ④ the support system after introductionare organized by the general incorporated association Ayumi, an expert in welfare equipment, in the latest 2026 edition.

1. What is an Eye-Tracking Device?

An eye-tracking device is a device that detects human eye movements to operate computers or tablet devices.

Typically, operating a computer or tablet requires hand or finger movements.

However, for individuals with disabilities who may not be able to operate devices due to limited hand mobility, eye-tracking devices were developed to allow operation through eye movements instead of hands or fingers.

Eye-tracking devices are a type of communication aid, and the "Talking Aid," released in 1985 and still continuing its series, is a well-known example.

Eye-tracking devices are gaining attention as communication aids that are easier for everyone to use.

Regarding how eye-tracking devices detect eye movements, there are various methods, with the use of infrared filters being a well-known technique.

This method extracts the center points of the pupil and the corneal reflection from an image of the eyeball captured using infrared light as a light source. The relative position of these two feature points is then used to determine the gaze.

Additionally, there are devices that use eye blinking for operation, and the user experience can vary significantly depending on the type and method.

Eye-tracking devices can be broadly categorized into the following two types:

• Contact type that attaches to the body, such as glasses
• Non-contact type that attaches to displays

Welfare equipment eye-tracking devices include the following software:

• For communication
• For training (educational)
• For measurement (research)

Furthermore, since the user experience and target age vary depending on the software, it is important to choose an eye-tracking device with the most suitable software.

2. About the Price and Subsidy System for Eye-Tracking Devices

In the past, eye-tracking devices often cost over one million yen, making them inaccessible to many.

Nowadays, various technologies are being adopted in welfare equipment, leading to more affordable eye-tracking devices.

If you already have a computer or tablet device and only need to attach an eye-tracking device, you can purchase one for a few tens of thousands of yen.

On the other hand, integrated eye-tracking devices that include a computer or tablet often exceed 200,000 yen.

To support the introduction of these expensive eye-tracking devices, there are subsidy systems available to reduce the purchase cost.

The application process for the prosthetic device cost subsidy system involves the individual with a disability or their guardian applying to the mayor of their municipality.

Based on the judgment or opinion of a rehabilitation consultation center for persons with physical disabilities, the mayor's decision allows for the provision of the subsidy.

The user is generally responsible for 10% of the cost, with the monthly maximum burden determined based on household income.

Since the burden amount varies depending on the degree of disability and household income, please contact your local government for details.

Reference: Overview of the Prosthetic Device Cost Subsidy System｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

The prosthetic device cost subsidy system is also explained in the following article.

Reference:

3. Recommended Eye-Tracking Devices for People with Disabilities

There are various types of eye-tracking devices, each with different prices and features.

Here, we introduce three particularly recommended eye-tracking devices.

• MyTobii I-16
• Tobii TD Pilot
• PCEye5

We will introduce each device's features, so please refer to them.

3-1. MyTobii I-16

The MyTobii I-16 is an integrated device that combines an eye-tracking device with a Windows tablet.

This means you can introduce an eye-tracking device without needing to prepare a separate device. Additionally, being a Windows-based tablet, it emphasizes ease of use.

With the MyTobii I-16, you can handle most operations with just your gaze, not just conversations.

It features Tobii Communicator 5, which allows you to easily create custom communication screens tailored to your physical condition, making it even more user-friendly.

The MyTobii I-16 is attractive for its ability to display conversations on a screen on the back of the device, allowing for natural face-to-face conversations.

Moreover, its lightweight, integrated design allows for easy movement between a bed and a wheelchair.

It is easy to install on floor stands or arms, making it a recommended eye-tracking device that is easy to use in various situations.

Reference: Integrated Eye-Tracking Device MyTobii I-16｜Creact Co., Ltd.

3-2. Tobii TD Pilot

The Tobii TD Pilot, like the MyTobii I-16, is an eye-tracking device sold by Creact Co., Ltd.

The Tobii TD Pilot is a device based on the iPad Pro, making it especially recommended for those familiar with Apple products.

It comes with the app "TD Snap," which can read aloud frequently used conversation sentences and text typed on a keyboard.

TD Snap features a function that supports eye-tracking with a feeling of adhesion when looked