THInkPen smart pen developed for early writing difficulty screening

Researchers from Politecnico di Milano and Università dell'Insubria have developed the THInkPen (Tele-Health Ink Pen), a patented sensorized pen designed for the early screening of writing difficulties such as dysgraphia and dysorthography.

Unlike tablet-based screening tools, this device allows users to write on traditional paper. During a study involving over 700 primary and lower secondary school students, the pen collected extensive digital data through sensors. Key indicators extracted include writing pressure, movement fluidity, pen inclination, and signal frequency.

Using specially developed artificial intelligence algorithms, the study demonstrated significant correlations between these digital indicators and clinical scores from the BVSCO-3 assessment. This technology aims to provide deeper insights into the writing processes of children to support early identification and targeted interventions for specific learning disabilities (DSA).