Students are introduced to the history, development, and design features of Eye Tracking. The lab will specifically focus on the application of eye tracking in assistive technology that helps people with physical limitations. Students will make a mechanical model of an eye to understand how the computer sees the eye when performing eye tracking. Students will also make sketches of the eye/eye tracker’s geometry and derive trigonometric equations used to measure the eye’s pointing direction. Finally, students will work through a series of mazes using eye gaze to apply the ideas behind Life Drive into the classroom.
Students will:
- Analyze real-world problems and use critical thinking skills in order to solve them
- Explore developments in eye tracking technology.
- Understand how eye tracking can be used to help people with physical limitations communicate
- Design a model for an eye using the materials given.
- Use geometry to understand how a computer can track eye movement
- Explain the engineering process as it pertains to their design and reflect on opportunities to improve it.
- Understand that technology needs to be made with user experience in mind.
-
Lab intro video
39 minutes
-
Lab type
Lab kit provided at no cost
-
Live Q&A session and wrap up with
College Students & Professional Engineers
Classroom Tools & Resources
Get access to all of the presentation materials, workbooks and resources to run the Biomechanical Systems lab in your classroom.
Lab Intro Videos
Get our engineer’s introduction to the lab topic and learn more about the lab activity.

Teacher Guide
Download the teacher guide to prepare for the lab and get access to pre-work, instructions and troubleshooting advice.
View
Student Workbook
Access the interactive student workbook that includes questions and assessments throughout the lab presentation.
View
Engineer’s Presentation
Preview the full lab presentation and save the link so you’re ready to share the presentation on lab day.
ViewMeet the lab intro host

John Sexton
Founder & CEO, LifeDrive
John is the founder and CEO of LifeDrive, a company providing assistive technology solutions that allow disabled individuals to control their power wheelchairs with their eyes and voice. John is a Senior studying electrical engineering at the University of Notre Dame involved in the Grand Challenges Scholars Program.

John is the founder and CEO of LifeDrive, a company providing assistive technology solutions that allow disabled individuals to control their power wheelchairs with their eyes and voice. John is a Senior studying electrical engineering at the University of Notre Dame involved in the Grand Challenges Scholars Program.