Talk To Me Technologies

Assistive Communication Devicestalktometechnologies.com

Smartbox US (formerly Talk To Me Technologies) develops and distributes proprietary speech-generating devices and Grid AAC software for children and adults with communication impairments from autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, stroke, and aphasia, selling through AAC Consultants, SLP channels, and insurance reimbursement.

Company typePrivate
Founded2006
HeadquartersCedar Falls, United States
Headcount51–100
GTM typeB2C
OfferingHardware or Manufacturing

What Talk To Me Technologies does

Talk To Me Technologies, operating as Smartbox US, is a Cedar Falls, Iowa-based developer and distributor of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) speech-generating devices for children and adults with communication impairments caused by autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, ALS, stroke, and aphasia. The company is the US subsidiary of the Smartbox group, which is partially owned by UK-listed social care provider CareTech, and operates alongside sibling entities in the UK, EU (Ireland, France), and Germany.

The product platform centers on three proprietary hardware families — Grid Pad (10"/13"/16" high-end devices), Talk Pad (8"/10" mid-range rugged portables), and Wego (5"/13" flexible entry devices) — priced from $7,995 to $16,395 per unit. All devices run the Grid AAC software, which supports symbol-based and text-based vocabularies across more than 40 languages and four access modalities (eye gaze, touch, switch, pointer). Differentiated technology includes the Evo eye tracking camera with on-device neural processing and proprietary machine learning algorithms, the Lumin-i and Vida eye gaze options, AI-powered grammar correction, proprietary Spark Symbols, and exclusive vocabulary sets (OnWord, QuickStep, Universal Core). The company also resells PRC-Saltillo apps (TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life, Dialogue AAC) and integrates with Tolt Technologies' Ability Drive wheelchair control.

The business model is hardware sales classified as durable medical equipment, reimbursable through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, supported by an in-house funding team reporting a 98.7% first-time clean claims rate versus a 71% industry average. Go-to-market is hybrid: field-based AAC Consultants work with speech-language pathologists, schools, medical clinics, and veteran facilities; inside sales handle phone inquiries (877.392.2299 with dedicated options); and a Shopify-based e-commerce storefront serves direct purchases. The company employs 51–100 staff, grew headcount by approximately 30% in 2022, holds Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Home Care Accreditation, and is rebranding from Talk To Me to Smartbox US under the global Smartbox brand.

Talk To Me Technologies firmographics

Firmographics

Name: Talk To Me Technologies
Legal name: Talk To Me Technologies, LLC
Website: https://talktometechnologies.com
Company type: Private
Founded year: 2006
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 51–100 employees
Short description: Smartbox US (formerly Talk To Me Technologies) develops and distributes proprietary speech-generating devices and Grid AAC software for children and adults with communication impairments from autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, stroke, and aphasia, selling through AAC Consultants, SLP channels, and insurance reimbursement.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Talk To Me Technologies industry classification

Industry

Product category: Assistive Communication Devices
NAICS: Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (81121)
SIC: Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
akta.pro primary industry: AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) Devices, Apps & Training (EDAKAIAB)
akta.pro secondary industries: AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) & Speech/Language Therapy Tech (EDAFAKAB), Family & Pediatric Direct-to-Consumer Virtual Care (HLALAAAI)

Keywords

Augmentative communication devices
Speech-generating devices
Assistive technology hardware
Eye gaze tracking
AAC software platform

Where Talk To Me Technologies is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Cedar Falls
HQ country: United States
HQ region: North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

Talk To Me Technologies business model

Business model

GTM type: B2C
Offering type: Hardware or Manufacturing
Cost components: Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

Speech-Generating Device Sales: Sale of dedicated AAC hardware devices including Grid Pad, Talk Pad, Wego, and Zuvo families. Devices are classified as durable medical equipment (DME) and fundable through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. PLUS models provide additional features including smart home control.
Insurance Reimbursement: Devices are approved for funding through Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance programs. The company handles the insurance funding process, including prior approval, claims submission, and appeals.
Software Licenses: Grid AAC software available as 60-day free trial on Windows or 30-day trial on iPad. Company sells licenses and provides software updates. Authorized reseller for PRC-Saltillo apps including TouchChat and LAMP Words for Life.

Pricing tiers

Model	Billing	Price
One time/ perpetual license	Multi-year contract	Grid Pad 13, 16, Go - Standard touch access
One time/ perpetual license	Multi-year contract	Talk Pad 8 and 10 - Lightweight portable devices
One time/ perpetual license	Multi-year contract	Wego 5 and 13 - Portable speech devices
One time/ perpetual license	Multi-year contract	Eye Gaze Models - Grid Pad with integrated eye tracking

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Talk To Me Technologies product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Talk To Me Technologies (operating as Smartbox US) designs, manufactures, and sells speech-generating devices and accompanying AAC software for individuals with communication differences caused by conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, stroke, and Down syndrome. The portfolio spans three device families (Grid Pad, Talk Pad, Wego) running the proprietary Grid Software platform with symbol- and text-based vocabularies, supported by proprietary eye tracking cameras (Evo, Lumin-i, Vida), low-tech communication boards, and insurance-funded durable medical equipment (DME) distribution.

Product overview

Talk To Me Technologies (Smartbox US) offers a unified product ecosystem centered on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and software. The portfolio consists of three speech-generating device families: Grid Pad (high-end, 10"-16"), Talk Pad (mid-range, 8"-10"), and Wego (portable, 5"-13"), all powered by the Grid Software platform. Eye gaze access is enabled through proprietary cameras (Evo, Lumin-i, Vida) integrated with the devices. The company provides multiple vocabulary systems including Super Core, Voco Chat, Aphasia Duo (included with Grid), plus exclusive options like OnWord, QuickStep, and Universal Core. Supporting products include low-tech Communication Boards, Printable Boards, Device Skins, and comprehensive services including Smart Care warranty, Grid Implementation support, Education 360 training, Smartbox Academy, funding assistance, and device loan programs. The ecosystem supports over 40 languages and various access methods including eye gaze, touch, switches, and pointer.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

Grid Pad Flagship speech-generating device with powerful communication capabilities, multiple access options (eye gaze, touch, switch, pointer), and advanced features for children and adults with communication differences. Available in 10, 13, and 16-inch screen sizes with an optional PLUS model for smart home control.
Talk Pad Lightweight, rugged, and portable speech-generating device for home, school, medical, or travel use, available in 8-inch and 10-inch screen sizes with purpose-built communication software for AAC users.
Wego Exclusive family of powerful, portable, and flexible speech-generating devices for children and adults with communication difficulties, available in 5-inch and 13-inch screen sizes with intuitive interface and customizable skins.
Grid Software Flagship AAC software used on Grid Pad, Wego 13, and Talk Pad devices, offering symbol- and text-based vocabularies in over 40 languages with multiple access methods (eye gaze, touch, switches, pointer, voice activation). Available as a 60-day free trial on Windows and 30-day trial on iPad.
Evo Eye Gaze Camera Most advanced eye tracker from Smartbox, using machine learning algorithms for fast, accurate, and responsive eye tracking. Features on-device processing via Neural Processing Unit, one-point calibration, and durable drop-tested enclosure. Exclusively available with Grid Pad 13 and 16.
Lumin-i Eye Gaze Camera Eye tracking camera with responsive performance and a large track box that tolerates a wide range of head movements and positions. Operating distance of 45-85 cm with high-powered IR emitters for outdoor use.
Vida Eye Gaze Camera Eye tracking camera powered by the latest IntelliGaze 11 software, performing reliably in various lighting conditions and accommodating users with quicker head movements.
Communication Boards Low-tech AAC boards based on Super Core vocabulary for use in public spaces. Available in aluminum (permanent), vinyl (flexible), and A-frame (portable) formats with customizable fringe vocabulary.
Device Skins Custom device personalization options with designs like Dinos, Donuts, Ocean, Vehicles, Sharks, and Sports, printed to fit each device model.
Smart Care Warranty Five-year warranty included with each device covering unlimited repairs for material defects, craftsmanship, or accidental damage, plus courtesy loaner device and no shipping costs.
Grid Implementation Individualized support service for SLPs, educators, and care teams providing real-time expert guidance on implementing AAC devices, led by licensed speech-language pathologists.
Insurance Funding Assistance Comprehensive support for obtaining Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance coverage for speech-generating devices, handling prior authorization, claims submission, and appeals with a 98.7% clean claims rate.

Quantifiable outcome

98.7% of insurance claims paid on first submission vs 71% industry average
+2 more outcomes

Companies that use Talk To Me Technologies

Customer profile

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Talk To Me Technologies technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability6 records

Feature6 records

Talk To Me Technologies partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

PRC-SaltillocoreTechnology or IntegrationTTMT is an Authorized App Reseller for PRC-Saltillo, providing TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life, and Dialogue AAC apps on dedicated speech-generating devices. Must meet quality clinical support, technical proficiency, and manufacturing standards requirements.
Smartbox Assistive Technology Ltd (UK)coreOthersParent company and part of a group of eight companies including Smartbox UK, EU, and US operations. TTMT operates as Smartbox US with shared technology, Grid software, and corporate governance.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Talk To Me Technologies competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Emerging players

CoughDrop: CoughDrop is a cloud-based AAC app provider targeting schools, families, and SLPs with a subscription model. It represents the software-only AAC category that competes with dedicated devices on price and flexibility.
AssistiveWare: AssistiveWare builds Proloquo and Proloquo4Text, leading iPad-based AAC apps used by many children and adults with communication differences. It is an emerging substitute for dedicated SGDs in the mild-to-moderate segment.

Direct peers

Forbes AAC: Forbes AAC is a US distributor and integrator of multiple dedicated AAC devices and eye-gaze hardware. It competes for the same end users via overlapping product lines and the same SLP referral network.
Lingraphica: Lingraphica makes dedicated speech-generating devices and tablet apps specifically for adults with aphasia, mirroring Smartbox US's adult and stroke/aphasia positioning. It competes for the same insurance-funded adult user.
Tobii Dynavox: Tobii Dynavox is the global leader in eye-tracking AAC hardware and software (TD I-13/I-16, TD Snap, Communicator 5). It is the most direct competitor in premium eye-gaze SGDs and shares the same SLP, clinic, and VA channels.
PRC-Saltillo: PRC-Saltillo is the leading US maker of dedicated speech-generating devices (ChatPlus, NovaChat, Accent) and the creator of TouchChat and LAMP Words for Life — apps that Smartbox US resells. It is the closest head-to-head competitor in US dedicated SGDs.
AbleNet: AbleNet provides assistive technology including AAC switches, speech devices, and access tools sold into schools, clinics, and homes. It overlaps with Smartbox US in switch and AAC access categories and the SLP/special-education channel.

Others

Smartbox Assistive Technology (UK): Smartbox UK is the parent entity that develops Grid software, Evo, and the core technology used by Talk To Me Technologies. It is the closest strategic and product-development partner rather than a customer-facing competitor in the US.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Talk To Me Technologies compliance and trust

Trust signal

Compliance5 records

Talk To Me Technologies financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Talk To Me Technologies leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Talk To Me Technologies funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Talk To Me Technologies M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Talk To Me Technologies

What does Talk To Me Technologies do?

Is Talk To Me Technologies a public or private company?

Talk To Me Technologies is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.

When was Talk To Me Technologies founded?

Talk To Me Technologies was founded in 2006. It employs 51 to 100 people.

Where is Talk To Me Technologies based?

Talk To Me Technologies is headquartered in Cedar Falls, United States, in the North America region.

How does Talk To Me Technologies make money?

Three revenue lines are on record. Speech-Generating Device Sales are the primary driver. The others are insurance Reimbursement and software Licenses.

Who are Talk To Me Technologies's main competitors?

Emerging players on record are CoughDrop and AssistiveWare. Direct peers are Forbes AAC, Lingraphica, Tobii Dynavox, PRC-Saltillo and AbleNet. Smartbox Assistive Technology (UK) is listed as an others.

Does Talk To Me Technologies have an API?

No public API is recorded for Talk To Me Technologies.

What industry is Talk To Me Technologies in?

Talk To Me Technologies's product category is Assistive Communication Devices. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAKAIAB, AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) Devices, Apps & Training, with a secondary code of EDAFAKAB, AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) & Speech/Language Therapy Tech. Its NAICS code is 33451 and its SIC code is 3845.