By Dan Ding, Wireless RERC Director
January 22, 2024
I had the honor of being invited by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation to CES 2024, an experience that resonated deeply with the core values and mission of our Wireless RERC. The CTA Foundation's commitment to connecting people with disabilities and older adults to life-enhancing technologies reflects our commitment at the Wireless RERC to promoting mainstream wireless technology as assistive technology. Attending CES 2024 was not merely an eye-opener to the latest tech trends and innovations; it was an enlightening journey that deepened my understanding and commitment to our mutual goals. I was delighted to see topics such as inclusive design, inclusive innovation, and inclusive AI took center stage in several panel discussions. I also enjoyed the enriching opportunities provided by the CTA Foundation – the insightful accessibility roundtable, the specially curated tours focusing on product accessibility, and the networking events with peers who share a passion for advancing accessible and inclusive technology and innovations.
Accessibility Highlights from Mainstream Tech Companies
I was excited to see some mainstream tech companies adopt a “Technology for All” approach, demonstrating a commitment to making their technologies accessible to individuals with disabilities. These examples highlight the versatility and creativity in adapting existing products to meet diverse needs:
- Samsung impressed with their range of accessibility features: tactile stickers on appliances for low-vision or blind users, live captioning for calls to assist those with speech or hearing limitations, and TV products with accessibility features such as audio subtitles and sign language zoom.
- The Universal UP Kit by LG (shown below) caught our eyes for its simplicity and practical utility. This kit includes an array of home appliance accessories designed to enhance accessibility for users facing physical challenges.
- Garmin showcased their commitment to inclusivity with the adaptation of their Venu 3 series smartwatches (shown below). This series now includes a wheelchair mode, substituting steps with pushes and featuring indoor/outdoor push and hand-cycling activity tracking. This update also introduces weight-shift alerts and incorporates wheelchair workouts into their exercise library, addressing a long-standing need for fitness technology for wheelchair users.
- DeepBrain AI, a leading company specializing in AI video and avatar synthesis technology, collaborated with Lenovo and the Scott-Morgan Foundation. They created an avatar that uniquely preserves the voice and personality traits of an individual with ALS, allowing her to maintain a sense of identity and individuality.
LG's Universal UP Kit. Photos by Dan Ding
Garmin wheelchair workouts. Photos from Garmin Blog
Accessible Tech Innovations
My exploration of Eureka Park was a captivating journey into the vibrant world of innovative startups, each brimming with potential and purpose. I discovered a range of startups that dedicated their ingenuity to designing solutions tailored for individuals with disabilities.
- In today’s digital era, Augmental’s MouthPad (shown below), a sleek tongue-control interface for computers, smartphones, and tablets, brings a fresh perspective to digital interaction. Designed for those who struggle with conventional controls, the MouthPad leverages the tongue’s endurance, offering a unique, accessible solution for seamless navigation in the digital realm.
- NaqiLogix showcased a smart earbud capable of detecting muscle impulses and brain waves associated with very small movements, converting them to control signals for computers, smartphones, game consoles, and even wheelchairs. In a similar vein, AAVAA demonstrated its biosensing technology integrated into headbands which converts head movements and facial gestures into control signals. They also applied this technology to create attention-based sound-filtering earbuds, offering a novel solution for individuals with hearing difficulties.
- XanderGlasses showcased their innovative glasses (shown below) that convert speech into text and display real-time captions of conversations on the glasses themselves. This technology is particularly beneficial for people with hearing difficulties, allowing them to visually track and participate in conversations with ease. A notable feature is their user-friendliness; they are ready to use right out of the box without the need for phone pairing, app installation, or internet connectivity.
- OneCourt displayed an innovative laptop-sized haptic mini-field (shown below) that allows sports fans with blindness or low vision to physically feel the position of the players and ball in real-time during a game. This technology represents a leap beyond conventional audio commentary, offering a more immersive way for these individuals to engage in live sports.
Augmental’s MouthPad. Photo by Augmental
XanderGlasses speech-captioning glasses. Photo by XanderGlasses
OneCourt's haptic mini-field. Photo by OneCourt and Ethan Joyce, Tech Reporter, Sports Business Journal
Untapped Potential in Products
During my time at CES, it became apparent that many products, though not explicitly designed with accessibility in mind, have significant potential for assistive use. It was fascinating to observe numerous companies either taking advantage of this potential or getting excited about the prospect of their products aiding individuals with disabilities.
For instance, startups like Leafi exemplify this awareness. Their product, a retrofit solution of quick-to-install smart blind controls, was initially conceived to simplify blind adjustment while holding a baby. The founder has then come to realize how their innovation can empower independent living for individuals with physical challenges and older adults, providing a simple yet effective way to adapt existing home environments to diverse needs.
In our discussions with companies like Third Reality Inc., Ecovacs, Biobidet (by Bemis), Aqara, and Kohler, we shared insights from our research on employing mainstream technology as assistive technology for those with complex disabilities. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with each company showing great enthusiasm for learning how their products and features could be beneficial in this new light.
Another prime example of this potential is the AI all-in-one laundry combo from Samsung, LG, and GE. Far from being just a space-saving and energy-efficient home appliance, this combo simplifies the laundry process by eliminating the need to transfer laundry between drums and add detergent for each wash. For people with physical limitations, this isn’t just convenient; it helps compensate for decreased range of motion and strength for completing the task and could be a crucial tool for conserving energy, enabling them to direct their effort toward more meaningful activities, be it work, exercise, or leisure. Samsung's latest refrigerators and ovens, designed to open with a tap or push, further illustrate how mainstream products can enhance accessibility for those with physical limitations. Furthermore, the AI capability of the laundry combo to detect load weight, fabric type, and soil level, thereby determining the most effective laundering methods and suggesting appropriate cycles, is especially helpful for individuals with cognitive impairments. This feature simplifies the decision-making process in daily chores and fosters greater independence for these individuals.
Key Takeaway
The observations at CES 2024, combined with our research at the Wireless RERC, highlight an important realization: mainstream consumer products have a substantial, yet often underestimated, potential to support individuals with disabilities and older adults.
- For tech companies, recognizing that people with disabilities and older adults form a considerable part of the consumer base is crucial. By tapping into this potential, not only can they promote inclusivity, they may also unlock new market opportunities. This situation points to a clear need for increased awareness and education about diverse needs. While traditional tech disciplines in colleges do not often offer curricula on accessibility, the proliferation of online learning today offers students and professionals the chance to proactively explore inclusive design, understand diverse needs, and engage with disability and aging organizations. Such interdisciplinary learning could pave the way for innovations that are technologically advanced, socially responsible, and inclusive, ultimately benefiting a broader population and steering us toward a future where technology is truly accessible to all.
- For consumers with disabilities and older adults, the rapidly evolving landscape of consumer technology presents both a world of opportunities and a maze of challenges. Choosing the right device that meets their specific needs can be a daunting task with factors like affordability, adaptability, and awareness playing pivotal roles. Involving a diverse group of stakeholders – including tech companies, researchers, family members, caregivers, social and health service providers, and policymakers - is imperative. The collaboration among these diverse groups is essential to ensure that innovative tech solutions are not only created but also effectively implemented, making a real and meaningful impact. At the Wireless RERC, we are committed to supporting these critical factors through comprehensive approaches such as large-scale surveys, detailed policy analysis, targeted interventional studies, and the development of knowledge portals. We continue to advocate for increased research in this vital area, aiming to bridge the gap between technology and accessibility.
As we continue to navigate this evolving technology landscape, we are eager to learn from you: which mainstream technologies have had a significant impact or have the potential to impact the lives of individuals with disabilities? What are the key challenges and enablers in this context?
Contact Us
Email: wirelessrerc@shrs.pitt.edu
Phone: (412) 624-2029