In the age of digitalization, the term "usability" is becoming increasingly important. All devices that accompany us in our daily lives should be particularly easy and intuitive to use, but also efficient. Ideally, apps should be self-explanatory for the user to control. A new trend is now moving away from allowing humans to understand machines, but rather the other way around: Using innovative sensors, computers, virtual reality, and augmented reality headsets will be able to better understand humans in the future and support them in their work.
The Munich startup 4tiitoo is dedicated to this topic and is working on using hardware and software to make workflows and the workplace of the future significantly more efficient, but also more pleasant and natural for people. The keyword is "Natural User Interaction."
4tiitoos' NUIA software utilizes human eyes, speech, and gestures. It is designed to make it easier for both intensive users and new users who are unfamiliar with a device or program to get started, while simultaneously maximizing the efficiency of their actions.
Wide bandwidth: Increased efficiency thanks to NUIA
How is this accomplished? A major role in “Natural User Interaction” is played by the Eye tracking: Here, the user's eyes are illuminated with infrared light that is harmless to the human eye, and the reflection of the light is filmed with an infrared camera. After a short one-time calibration, it is then possible to determine in real time where the user is looking on their screen. 4tiitoo currently uses eye tracking, among other things, as part of a package for browser control or for Microsoft Office. Here, for example, a glance at the toolbar is enough to find the cursor there. Especially with CAD and PLM programs, where the mouse pointer is moved over the toolbars several hundred times in a working day, the intelligent mouse pointer support can achieve a significant increase in efficiency, saving around 30 minutes per day. Combined with the other NUIA modules, this quickly means potential savings in the five-figure range when extrapolated over an annual basis.
4tiitoo’s technology can be used in a variety of ways. From Automotive to MedTech and many other industries, the Munich-based company's customer base is expanding.
The 4tiitoo GmbH was founded by Tore Meyer and Stephan Odörfer, two IT specialists who knew each other from school and wanted to build something together after graduation. Since 2013, the Munich-based startup, which also operates an office in San Francisco, has been financed by Munich business angels. In the summer of 2014, the High-tech Founders Fund and Bavaria CapitalSince its inception, the startup has been based in Munich Friends Factory.
Don’t miss out on digitalization
CTO Stephan Odörfer sees many positive aspects of the Munich location:
"Munich has excellent infrastructure, whether through the airport or the train. And in the mountains, you can find a wonderful leisure balance to your daily work routine."
And there is no reason to complain about a shortage of skilled workers:
"Munich is an attractive city; we receive double-digit numbers of applications every month from all over the world. But the local universities also offer a great pool of talented IT professionals, so the majority of our team comes from Munich universities."
“Munich is on the right track”
With its office in San Francisco, 4tiitoo is well aware of the differences between Munich and Silicon Valley:
"In Silicon Valley, there's so much tech all at once; you constantly meet other founders at events or even over lunch. The interdisciplinary exchange is much more intense; it's networking on a whole new level,"
explains Odörfer. It's also much easier to get an appointment with decision-makers at large companies:
"You meet there within a few days, often for a business breakfast or a coffee. That should be enough to clarify the initial details and determine the next steps. In Germany, however, you might wait several weeks for such an appointment. This could mean that everyone involved loses a decisive advantage over the competition."
According to Odörfer, there is simply a greater understanding of startups in Silicon Valley – former founders often hold corporate positions – and also the benefits of collaboration in the area of innovation. Nevertheless, he finds
“that Munich, for example, with the event MUST is on the right track. It is of enormous importance that large and medium-sized companies enter into dialogue with the startup scene and recognize how important constant innovation is in times of digitalization.”
This realization should also be reflected in investment volumes. Because, as we know, Germany still lags far behind the US market when it comes to venture capital. According to Odörfer, it is important to actively and massively address the issue of digitalization now in order to at least maintain our position in the world and not miss the opportunity to actively shape the future.
4tiitoo is well on its way to significantly shaping the trend of “Natural User Interaction” and we wish them continued success.
