A History of Innovation

Passionate about Bionics

Control Bionics

What We Do

Control Bionics offers a suite of dedicated speech generating devices and AAC accessories to give people living with complex communication and physical needs their voice. Our product range is more intuitive and flexible than ever, giving users the power to make life-changing connections.

Founder

Meet Peter Ford

For some people, Peter’s face may be familiar from his time as a CNN news anchor. But Peter’s real passion has always been bionics and robotics. In particular, he was inspired by the potential to help free one of the world’s great minds, Stephen Hawking.

In 1999, Peter identified that the patients’ damaged muscles still emitted small electrical signals that could be used to reliably control basic computer functions. And with that, Control Bionics was born.

Life Changing Connections

Company Milestones

Control Bionics aim is to become the world’s leading provider of innovative augmentative communication and control devices for people with speech and movement disabilities. Our entry into the assistive technology industry is based on our passion to serve those on the far end of the disability spectrum and the desire to drive the industry forward. 

Preloader
  • The Beginning

    The Beginning
    Research and development begins with the help of many partners, including Professor Stephen Hawking.
  • We Incorporated

    Control Bionics is incorporated in the state of Delaware and the first international patents are filed.

  • EMG-Based NeuroEducator 4

    EMG-Based NeuroEducator 4

    The NeuroEDUCATOR 4 is launched, providing a pocket-sized EMG monitoring system for assistive technology and rehabilitation. The NeuroEDUCATOR Electromyography (EMG) Biofeedback System was designed for neuromuscular therapy aimed at returning or improving voluntary muscle control.

  • VA USA Approves Full Funding

    VA USA Approves Full Funding

    USA Department of Veterans Affairs approves full funding of the NeuroSwitch, and the first funded VA client receives their communication system.

  • FDA USA Clearance

    FDA USA Clearance

    Control Bionics is granted USA FDA clearance for the NeuroSwitch.

  • NeuroSwitch Introduced

    NeuroSwitch Introduced

    The NeuroSwitch is introduced, adding wireless, portable EMG monitoring to the AAC market.

  • Joining Forces with Therapeutic Alliances

    James Schorey joined forces with Peter Ford and brings the intellectual property of Therapeutic Alliances (TAI). Control Bionics moves USA headquarters to Milford, Ohio, and significantly expands production and product development space and capabilities.

  • Expanded Production

    Control Bionics moves USA headquarters to Milford, Ohio, and significantly expands production and product development space and capabilities.

  • NDIS Australia Approval

    NDIS Australia Approval

    Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) approves full funding for NeuroSwitch.

  • NeuroNode Introduced

    NeuroNode Introduced

    The small, wearable NeuroNode EMG monitoring system is introduced as the successor to the NeuroSwitch.

  • Say-It-Now

    Google Say It Now with NeuroNode

    Say-It-NOW Communication Application is released on the Apple App Store.

  • NeuroNode Trilogy

    NeuroNode Trilogy

    The NeuroNode Trilogy is introduced, becoming the first funded 3-in-1 solution for communication.

  • Medicare Accreditation

    Medicare Accreditation

    Control Bionics is awarded Medicare accreditation.

  • Exponential Growth

    Exponential Growth

    Control Bionics releases Spatial Control, is granted the CE mark for the NeuroNode, establishes a second Australian headquarters office in Melbourne, VIC, gains market entry and funding into Ontario, Canada, and now offers Medicaid coverage in over 50% of US States.

“Our mission is to develop accessible, leading-edge AAC devices that can help those living with paralysis and loss of speech gain more control over their world.”

Driving the Industry Forward

Operational Management

Chief Executive Officer

Jeremy Steele

Jeremy has over 25 years of global corporate experience in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, financial services and retail.  Jeremy has been both an investor and operator and most recently was Global CEO of CardioScan, and outsourced cardiac diagnostics business operating in 10 countries.

Jeremy has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide and was appointed to CEO and Managing Director of Control Bionics in early 2023.

Chief Technology Officer

James Schorey

James began his career at Therapeutic Technologies Inc. (TTI) as a software engineer. In ten years at TTI he rose through the ranks to become Director of Engineering, managing three FDA-registered Class II medical devices. He then went on to become the President of Therapeutic Alliances, a leader in the field of rehabilitation for paralyzed individuals.

In 2014 James joined the Control Bionics team and now serves as the Chief Technology Officer. He is the driving force behind the design and development of the NeuroNode and all of the Control Bionics product lines.

Vice President – North America

Todd Tyler

Todd Tyler is the Vice President – North America for Control Bionics. He holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Oklahoma. Todd has over 20 years of experience in healthcare including roles in Speech-Language Pathology, sales, marketing, business development and executive leadership. Todd believes in the power of communication to make life-changing connections.

Todd’s breadth of experience and professional background give him the ability to lead a collaborative and dynamic team. Todd is based in our North America office in Milford, Ohio.

Sales Director

Meagan Koeneman

Meagan Koeneman is director of Sales for Control Bionics.  She directs all sales strategies, partners with organizations to grow product awareness, and leads field sales activities.  After spending nearly a decade supporting people and families with disabilities, Meagan believes that the key to strong sales partnerships lies in the human connection.  Being genuinely curious, empathetic, and customer-centric drives our conversations and creates the value at the heart of this team.

Meagan holds a BA in Speech & Hearing Sciences from Indiana University.  She currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband and 3 children.