Innovation has played a significant role in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) over the past decade. These groundbreaking advancements have impacted all industries, including accessibility and inclusive technology. Breakthroughs in areas such as mini-computers (wearable devices, smartphones, etc.), artificial intelligence (AI), deep neural networks, machine learning, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have paved the way for innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities (Al-Thani et al., 2019). In recent years, assistive technology has shown a trend toward integration into mainstream technological solutions through built-in accessibility features in various products. Emerging assistive technology trends currently being explored are converging into a blend of mainstream and medical technologies, including solutions like implants, medical devices, and exoskeletons. These emerging solutions are expected to complement rather than replace traditional assistive products.
Background
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), there are currently over one billion potential users of assistive technology and accessibility solutions. This number is expected to grow to 2 billion by 2050, as the average human lifespan increases, along with the convergence of general products with assistive technology. The **United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)** recognizes access to assistive technology as a human right, with corresponding responsibilities and obligations for the accessibility industry and market impact. The convention emphasizes that legislation and policies play a crucial role in attracting market investments, alongside the relevant demographics and consumer demand. Significant efforts are being made to develop assistive technology solutions for individuals with motor disabilities to recover or overcome functional limitations. Emerging assistive technology is benefiting from a range of pioneering solutions such as AI, IoT, Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), and advanced sensors (Lahiri et al., 2020).
Latest Technologies
The core emerging products in this sector evolve from traditional assistive devices, including advanced walking aids (balancing tools, smart canes), advanced prosthetics (smart prostheses, 3D-printed limbs), advanced wheelchairs (self-driving and controlled wheelchairs), and exoskeletons (full-body suits and upper/lower body exoskeletons). Last year saw a 34% increase in patent filings for advanced wheelchairs (source: WIPO). This article highlights advanced prosthetics, brain-computer interfaces, exoskeletons, and advanced walking aids.
Traditional Assistive Technology
- Walking aids
- Walking aid accessories
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair accessories
- Mobility accessories
- Body position/ lifting aids
- Orthotics
- Prosthetics
Emerging Assistive Technology
- Advanced prosthetics
- Exoskeletons
- Advanced walking aids
- Advanced wheelchairs
- Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)
- Smart assistants
- Smart homes
Advanced Prosthetics
One of the most innovative examples of emerging assistive technology is advanced prosthetics, which, compared to traditional prosthetics and orthotics, offer features far beyond mechanical support and aesthetics. Using advanced technologies such as cameras, pressure, temperature, and stress sensors, along with machine learning algorithms, these devices can understand prosthetic control behavior and harness neural signals controlled by the nervous system and skeletal muscle signals.
Advanced prosthetics rely on machine learning to create a pattern recognition approach for controlling prosthetic limbs. This approach requires users to train the device to recognize specific patterns of muscle activity and translate them into commands—such as opening or closing a prosthetic hand. According to research by Pal et al. (2018), "Pattern recognition control requires patients to undergo a long process of training their prosthetics," which can be time-consuming and tedious.
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)
BCI is one of the most innovative areas of technology being actively explored for the development of emerging assistive technology. BCI technology, a branch of computing technology, seeks to identify and map brain activity patterns into specific commands that are processed by an application or computer. BCIs can be used as an alternative input method when users are unable to use traditional input devices (like a mouse or keyboard). BCIs come in surgical and non-surgical forms. Surgical BCI involves connecting a computer directly to sensors implanted in the brain, while non-surgical BCI involves external sensors detecting brainwave patterns in contact with specific areas of the head (Pandarinath et al., 2017).
Non-invasive BCI devices, such as AlterEgo, allow users to communicate with machines through neural language without using any voice commands or gestures. This technology is currently being researched at MIT and holds great potential for individuals with physical and communicative disabilities by reducing functional barriers to performing various daily tasks.
Exoskeletons and Advanced Walking Aids
Exoskeletons are innovative mechanical structures worn by individuals to enhance their strength and fitness. These devices are an exciting alternative for patients with complete paralysis (ASIA A), especially for those who cannot move using orthoses. Exoskeletons, unlike traditional orthoses, take over a large portion of active muscle work, allowing people unable to use their legs to improve their quality of life by walking with system assistance. Exoskeletons are also contributing to rehabilitation from stroke and spinal cord injuries or aiding mobility in aging individuals.
Ekso GT, developed by Ekso Bionics, is the first exoskeleton approved by the FDA for stroke patients, representing one of the many emerging models of exoskeletons under development.
Emerging accessibility solutions for individuals with physical and motor disabilities are enhancing traditional assistive devices by adding advanced features that enable these solutions to perform far more functions autonomously. By recognizing and adapting to user requirements and behavior, these technologies aim to allow users to function optimally while ensuring their safety. The ultimate goal of these innovations is to improve the overall quality of life for users, empowering them to achieve greater independence.
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