The future of Assistive Technology

The future of Assistive Technology holds exciting possibilities. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovations and breakthroughs that will revolutionize the field. Here are some predictions for the future of assistive technology:

Neurological Solutions: 

Devices like GyroGlove stabilize hand tremors for people with Parkinson’s or essential tremors. Similarly, Ipsihand uses brain waves to control a disabled arm for stroke victims. These advancements enhance fine motor movements and improve daily tasks.

EarSwitch, a startup that leverages University of Bath research, has developed an earbud-like device for individuals with ALS. This innovative device uses a sensor to detect movements of the tensor tympani muscle (the muscle activated during yawning). By working in conjunction with an assistive keyboard, users can select letters and words displayed on an assistive screen simply by tensing their ear muscle. 

Vision Enhancement: 

Lightweight glasses like ViXion measure the distance to what you’re focusing on and adapt the lens for better vision. Additionally, eSight Go offers glasses with enhanced displays for people with eye conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and Stargardt’s disease. The eSight Go, includes a camera to capture the environment, then uses software to enhance it and projects it into OLED displays in front of each eye. 

Another solution for visually impaired people is OOrion, it is a smartphone app that allows you to find and locate objects and text in the environment.

Hearing:

TranscribeGlass has developed a device that can be attached to any pair of glasses, displaying real-time closed captions in the user’s field of vision. This device works in conjunction with speech-to-text applications, making spoken language more accessible for individuals with hearing impairments.

Then there is the French startup Ives has created Signbot, an innovative chatbot that communicates using sign language. Signbot is designed to be inclusive, supporting multiple sign languages including American Sign Language (ASL) and Quebec Sign Language (LSQ), thus broadening the scope of digital accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing community. 

Accessibility for All: 

With an aging global population and a rise in noncommunicable diseases, an estimated 3.5 billion people will need assistive technology by 2050. However, in many countries, most people who need it do not have access to it.

AI-Powered Assistive Technologies: 

The global assistive technology market is forecast to be worth $31.22 billion by 2030, with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms rapidly fueling innovations for individuals with disabilities.

The horizon of assistive technology is brimming with potential, set to usher in a new era of enhanced accessibility and autonomy for individuals with disabilities. Anticipated advancements include AI-driven personalization, sophisticated mobility aids, cutting-edge sensory devices, and a push towards universal access. These innovations promise to not only improve daily life but also empower users with greater independence and participation in society.