Smart hat brings play to disabled

A "smart" cap that allows disabled children to "drive" radio-controlled cars and boats, has been launched.

The Dream-Racer device has four motion sensors that detect small movements of the head, which are then fed wirelessly to control the toy's direction.

The UK invention has also been adapted to allow disabled people to play games on Sony's PlayStation consoles.

Officially launched at the Naidex disability exhibition in Birmingham, the Dream-Racer technology consists of a black and yellow motion sensitive cap connected to a small box, worn on the waist or in a pocket, which contains a battery and radio transmitter.



When a person wearing the device moves their head, a signal is sent to the transmitter which is then broadcast to the toy vehicle, mounted with a receiver.

But the technology is not just limited to remote controlled cars.

The company is also developing the Dream-Gamer interface, a cap that works with Sony's PS1 and PS2.

It is currently in the final testing stage and should be available later this summer, closely followed by a computer mouse interface that is also in development.