Skil

Name

Skil

Legal name

SKIL nv

Website

https://skilate.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Assistive technology devices for physical disabilities

NAICS

Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Assistive & Accessibility Input Devices (Switches, Adaptive Controllers, Braille Keyboards) (HDACAFAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Computer Access & Alternative Input (Switch, Eye Gaze, Head/Mouse, Keyboards) (EDAKAIAD), Assistive Technology (AT) & Accessible Learning Tools (EDALAGAB), AT Device Setup, Integration & Technical Support (MDM, IT, Interoperability) (EDAKAIAK)

Keywords

• Assistive technology devices
• Environmental control systems
• Augmentative communication devices
• Alternative computer access
• Wheelchair mounting accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Gent

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: SKIL generates revenue primarily through the sale of assistive technology hardware including environmental control systems, communication devices, alternative computer input devices, and mounting accessories. Products are sold as one-time purchases with accompanying support and training services.
2. Training Services: SKIL organizes regular training courses on Grid 3 software, conducted over 2 days with approximately 4 weeks between sessions. Training provides knowledge for creating communication pages and computer control capabilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

SKIL designs, supplies, and supports a portfolio of assistive technology hardware and software for people with physical disabilities. Its offering covers environmental control systems (IR/RF transmitters, receivers, automatic door and curtain operators), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices (text-based, symbol-based, and eye-tracking options), alternative computer input solutions (keyboards, mice, eye-tracking), adaptive switches (mechanical, pneumatic, sound, muscle, finger), and mounting/positioning accessories for wheelchairs and beds. The company also delivers Grid 3 training courses.

Product overview

SKIL (Sabbe Konsulting Independent Living) is a Belgian company specializing in assistive technology for people with disabilities, covering four main areas: environmental control (omgevingsbediening), supported communication (ondersteunde communicatie), computer control (computerbediening), and accessories (toebehoren). The product portfolio includes: communication devices (Grid Pad, Grid Pad Eye, EyeOn, Touch Pad, Lightwriter, BIGmack, LITTLEmack, Step-by-Step, QuickTalker, Smooth Talker) supporting text-based, symbol-based, and eye-tracking interaction; environmental control systems (HouseMate Pro, TwoXTen, Control Prog, Control Medi series, GEWA Maxi, Big Jack, various Abilia IR transmitters, infrared and radio frequency receivers, automatic door and curtain openers); computer access solutions (Grid 3 software, alternative keyboards including Maltron and TiPY, alternative mice including HeadMouse and eye-tracking cameras); a wide range of switches (Buddy Button, Jelly Bean, Big Red, Smoothie, Kajo Button RF, PikoButton, Mini Cup, Plaatschakelaar, Zuigblaasschakelaar, Spierschakelaar, Geluidsschakelaar AssistX AS One, Finger Switch, Kussenschakelaar); and mounting accessories (DAESSY wheelchair stands, electric arms, bed stands, table stands with Magic Arm). SKIL also provides Grid 3 training courses. The company integrates with Android smartphones, Z-wave and EasyWave home automation systems, and eye-tracking hardware.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HouseMate Pro Powerful IR and RF (EasyWave) transmitter that also controls Android smartphones via Bluetooth; with a single switch users can operate smartphone functions, IR devices (TV, DVD, HiFi), and optionally lights, blinds, curtains, doors, windows, electric beds, and Z-wave home automation. Includes a GPS Alert function that sends SMS with location in emergencies.
• TwoXTen Speaking remote control with switch inputs and a programmable IR transmitter that can record up to 20 signals and macros from other remotes. Can be optionally equipped with EasyWave or Z-wave transmitter for smart home control. Built-in microphone enables per-button word recording for visually or cognitively impaired users.
• Control Prog Programmable IR transmitter with up to 241 functions; powerful signal that does not need to be aimed. Operated manually or via one or two switches using scanning, with support for macros executing sequences of actions. Runs on four AAA batteries.
• Control Medi Multi Programmable IR transmitter with scan function and GewaRadio: eight buttons, four levels (28 functions), can send both IR and radio signals and learn IR signals from any remote; built-in scan option for switch access.
• Control Medi Standaard Programmable IR transmitter with eight large buttons and four levels (28 functions); can send IR signals and learn IR signals from any remote; eighth button switches between levels; manual operation only.
• Control Medi Easy Small programmable IR transmitter with four extra-large buttons designed for users with motor and cognitive disabilities; can learn IR signals from any remote; confirms presses with vibration, sound, and light.
• GEWA Maxi Large, robust, user-friendly remote with 16 large buttons requiring minimal pressure; recessed buttons to prevent accidental presses; audio, light, and vibration feedback; supports images on buttons and optional activation delay for users with tremors.
• Big Jack Adapted transmitter from Abilia with six external button inputs that each send a signal directly, eliminating the need for scanning; ideal for beginning users, expandable from one or two to more signals.
• Other Abilia IR transmitters Range of other Abilia IR transmitters for manual control, including IR-1S Micro, IR-1S Polszender wrist-worn remote, IR-1SP Micro (single programmable IR signal), and Control 18 (5 levels, 81 functions for TV, DVD, radio, doors, windows, curtains).
• Infrared receivers Infrared receivers for controlling devices in the same room as the user; safe for use near medical equipment. Available from Abilia in 2, 4, or 8 functions; the BIF8+ from CSS is specifically for controlling electric beds.
• Radio frequency (RF) receivers Radio frequency receivers using EasyWave or Z-wave modules for controlling devices through walls without construction work. Z-wave enables scenes to control multiple modules (lights, curtains, thermostats) with one command.
• Swing door automations (Draaideurautomaten) Automatic door openers for swing doors, enabling wheelchair users to independently exit a building in emergencies.
• Sliding door automations (Schuifdeurautomaten) Automatic sliding door openers suitable for indoor and outdoor use; quieter and safer than swing doors; can be equipped with photocells or presence sensors and operated by IR remote, RF remote, keypad, push buttons, or motion detectors.
• Curtain openers (Gordijnopeners) Quiet-running curtain openers with standard IR receiver for controlling curtains by temperature, privacy, and light; controlled via HouseMate or Grid Pad devices using their built-in infrared transmitters.
• Touch Pad Text-based communication device for users who can manually operate a keyboard; typed text is spoken aloud. Also available in symbol-based version.
• Lightwriter Text-based communication device for users who can manually operate a keyboard; typed text is spoken aloud.
• Grid Pad Advanced communication device supporting both text-based and symbol-based interaction that can be operated hands-free; available in standard and Eye versions with eye-tracking control.
• Grid Pad Eye Grid Pad variant with built-in eye-tracking for hands-free operation; users communicate by looking at symbols or words on the screen.
• EyeOn Communication device with quasi-unlimited symbol-based communication capacity for users with high communication needs.
• BIGmack and LITTLEmack single-message communication aids Single-message communication aids with one large button that plays a recorded message when pressed; BIGmack is the full-size and LITTLEmack is the smaller variant, used for beginning users or those with limited communication needs.
• LITTLE and BIG Step-by-Step communication aids Step-by-step communication aids that play a different recorded message with each press of the button, progressing through a sequence.
• QuickTalker Communication device for users with symbol-based communication needs, with multiple-message recording capability.
• Smooth Talker Versatile communication device with 8 minutes of recording capacity and superior sound quality; offers Sequential, Random, Random no repeats, Choice, Converse, and Auditory prompt playback modes; includes connections for an external switch and toy.
• Grid 3 software Comprehensive AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) software and programmable screen keyboard with layouts adaptable to the user's needs and abilities; used for creating communication pages with or without symbols and for computer control.
• TiPY alternative keyboard An alternative keyboard designed for users with motor difficulties.
• Maltron keyboards Ergonomic keyboards that automatically position hands in an ergonomically correct posture, relieving hand and arm muscles; available in one-handed and two-handed models, with or without integrated trackball.
• Alternative mice Alternative mouse devices including hands-free options such as LipStick and HeadMouse, small sensitive joysticks from Qinera, precise joysticks and trackballs from Pretorian (wired or wireless), and eye-tracking camera systems for computer control through eye movement.
• Alternative keyboards category Alternative keyboards for users with motor difficulties, including large keyboards with large recessed keys for coordination difficulties, smaller keyboards for one-handed use, and programmable on-screen keyboards such as Grid 3 that can be operated head-free via head mouse or eye control.
• Specs switch A switch device for hands-free operation of devices through scanning.
• Micro Light switch Small, sensitive switch for users with minimal movement capability.
• Buddy Button A robust, reliable button switch for activating adapted toys, communication aids, and other devices.
• Jelly Bean switch Robust button switch with interchangeable caps in four colors; activation force 71g, diameter 64mm.
• Kajo Button RF Wireless RF (EasyWave) transmitter button with 250g activation force and 55mm diameter, in red and black; frequency 868.30 MHz.
• PikoButton Robust switch available in two sizes and three activation forces (Light 75g / Medium 125g / Stiff 250g); diameter 30 or 50mm.
• Kussenschakelaar (cushion switch) Soft cushion button switch comfortable in the hand, suitable for users with uncontrolled movements; activation force 180g, diameter 80mm.
• Smoothie switch Sensitive button switch with low profile (only 10mm above desk at lowest point); activation force 50g, diameter 75 or 125mm; available in red, green, yellow, blue.
• Big Buddy Button Larger version of Buddy Button with 150g activation force and 115mm diameter; available in red.
• Big Red switch Large, robust push button with 156g activation force and 127mm diameter; interchangeable caps in green, red, yellow, and blue.
• Mini Cup switch Small and sturdy switch with IP67 rating (dust and waterproof, submersible to 1m for 30 minutes); activation force 130g, diameter 25mm.
• Plaatschakelaar (membrane switch) Very thin membrane switch activated by light touch; sealed surface to prevent moisture damage; activation force 114g, surface 80x80mm, thickness 2mm; available in red, green, yellow, blue, orange.
• Zuigblaasschakelaar (sip-puff pneumatic switch) Pneumatic switch activated by blowing or suction for users who cannot move any body part; dimensions 50x40x10mm, activation force 140 Pa, weight 15g.
• AssistX AS One sound-activated emergency switch Sound-activated switch that reliably triggers an emergency call by producing a sound, without body contact or movement; environmental noise is effectively filtered; dimensions 51x51x26mm.
• Spierschakelaar (muscle-contraction switch) Switch that detects muscle contraction via a 15mm sensor placed on the skin; no visible movement needed, suitable for users with conditions such as locked-in syndrome; sensitivity is adjustable.
• Finger Switch Compact sensitive switch worn on a finger with a velcro strap; activation by lateral clamp movement, force 75g, diameter 9mm, mechanical type.
• Wheelchair mounting stands (Rolwagenstatieven) Mechanical and electric wheelchair mounting stands for safely positioning devices on a wheelchair; mechanical stands are easily detachable and electric arms can be operated by the user to move the device in and out of their field of vision.
• Bed stands (Bedstatieven) Wheeled stands used to slide a communication device over a bed so users can continue using their device while lying down; can also be used from a wheelchair or reclining chair.
• Table stands and other arms (Tafelstatieven en andere armen) Very robust and stable table stands for safely placing devices on a table; usable for switches as well as heavier devices such as communication devices; height adjustable with a wide stable base; includes Magic Arm with three hinge points and flexible arm options.
• DAESSY wheelchair mounting stands Robust, reliable wheelchair mounting stands available in adjustable two-length, foldable, and push-pull models for mounting any device on any wheelchair.
• Electric mounting arms Electric-powered mounting arms for wheelchairs, controlled via push button or the wheelchair's control system; the mounted device can be swung completely away for user care or to allow safe driving.
• PowerLink 4 Device for controlling electrical appliances via a single-function switch.
• Energise (SimplyWorks) SimplyWorks device that controls up to 2 electrical devices using external switches via wireless technology, with 6 operating modes including Direct, Latch, Timed (seconds/minutes), and Cooperative modes for two users.
• Grid 3 training courses (Opleidingen) Two-day training program on Grid 3 software: Day 1 covers basic commands for creating communication pages with or without symbols; Day 2 covers advanced commands for computer control. Multiple training series are scheduled throughout the year for healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers.

Quantifiable outcome

• HouseMate Pro can control all apps on Android smartphones including phone, SMS, camera, internet, and music
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Rehadapt: German manufacturer of wheelchair and bed mounting systems (competing with SKIL's Rolwagenstatieven and Bedstatieven). Highly comparable in mounting/accessory solutions.
• Jabbla: Belgian assistive technology company producing AAC devices and computer access solutions — direct local competitor in the same Belgian market, with comparable target users.
• Abilia: Swedish assistive technology manufacturer whose IR transmitters and environmental control receivers (IR-1S, Control 18) SKIL distributes and integrates. Highly comparable product lines in environmental control for physical disabilities.
• Smartbox Assistive Technology: UK-based AAC specialist also built around the Grid 3 software platform that SKIL trains on. Direct competitor in symbol- and text-based AAC, including eye-gaze solutions.

Emerging players

• Inclusive Technology: UK supplier of switches, AAC aids (Big Mack-style devices), and computer-access solutions for special education — overlap with SKIL's communication and switch categories.
• RJ Cooper & Associates: US-based AT specialist offering customized switches, AAC, and computer-access solutions for users with severe physical disabilities — comparable niche in high-need, switch-driven access.
• Origin Instruments: US-based maker of adaptive input devices and AAC hardware, including switches and head-tracking. Comparable in alternative input and computer access hardware.
• Pretorian Technologies: UK manufacturer of switches, joysticks, and trackballs that SKIL resells (e.g., Qinera joysticks). Comparable in the alternative-input and switch category.

Regional players

• Helpicare: Italian assistive technology distributor with overlapping portfolios in environmental control, AAC, and computer access — comparable range, but primarily serving Southern Europe rather than Belgium.

Broad incumbents

• Tobii Dynavox: Global market leader in eye-tracking and AAC devices (Grid Pad / TD Snap ecosystem). Competes with SKIL's Grid Pad Eye and EyeOn in the eye-controlled AAC segment and has substantially more resources.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Skil