New Delhi, April 30 -- The intersection of technology and humanity has given birth to remarkable innovations, more importantly in the realm of assistive machines for differently-abled individuals. Today, through the lens of advanced assistive technologies, abilities are reinterpreted, and barriers are shattered. From prosthetic limbs to brain-computer interfaces, these machines are no longer tools, they are transformative agents, enabling individuals to live fuller and more independent lives. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that nearly 1.3 billion people (or 16% of the global population) currently experience significant disability and often face exclusion from mainstream work and life experiences. It is imperative upon every individual and organisation to remove any barriers for the differently abled. With assistive machines, the approach is no longer about removing barriers but empowering individuals to conquer all barriers, both man-made and natural.
Historically, societal perceptions of differently abled individuals have been deeply rooted in assumptions of incapability. However, assistive machines are challenging these perceptions head-on. These machines aren't about fixing what's 'broken.' They're about enhancing what's already there, amplifying abilities rather than compensating for disabilities. This shift in perspective is bringing a renewed focus on enhancing technology's access, usage, and integration into everyday life. Solutions span hearing, vision, speech, mobility impairments, and even cognitive deficiencies such as dyslexia, ADHC, and more. As a result of these changing perspectives, the value of the assistive technologies global market is forecasted to double and reach nearly $50 billion by 2030.
One of the most significant impacts of assistive machines is the independence they can provide to their users. From simple everyday tasks like reading and writing using screen readers and speech recognition software to performing complex and difficult tasks in hostile environments wearing intelligent exoskeletons, human-machine collaboration is conquering new peaks. For instance, the rise of exoskeletons in mobility assistance showcases how wearable robotic suits enable individuals with mobility impairments to stand, walk, sidestep, crouch, and even climb stairs independently. Vancouver-based fashion designer Chloe Angus, a user of an exoskeleton suit from XoMotion, shares, "After all these years, the exoskeleton let me stand up and walk on my own without falling. I felt like myself again." Such testimonials underscore the profound empowerment these technologies offer.
There are several examples where assistive machines have enabled differently-abled individuals to metamorphose into super-human cyborgs. British computer scientist Peter Scott-Morgan, also known as the first cyborg, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He uses the movement of his eyes to communicate, similar to the method used by Stephen Hawking. Scott-Morgan says: 'I will be part hardware, part wetware, part digital, and part analogue. In this way, humanity will replace its fragile bodies with more permanent mechanisms, such as computers.' In another case, Toronto-based filmmaker Rob Spence decided to replace his missing right eye with a prosthetic equipped with a wireless video camera. Spence used footage captured by his prosthetic eye in a documentary called Deus Ex: The Eyeborg Documentary. British artist Neil Harbisson has a cyborg antenna implanted in his head that allows him to extend his perception of colors. Extreme 'cyborgification' as a phenomenon can already be seen in the Cyborg Olympics, also known as Cybathlon. The third edition of this event, scheduled this year will see a contest across disciplines like prosthetic legs, arms, brain-computer interfaces, exoskeletons, and so forth.
Despite the strides made in assistive technologies, accessibility remains a persistent challenge. Cost barriers often prevent individuals from accessing these life-changing devices, exacerbating existing inequalities. Moreover, every individual having a unique compatibility issue gives little room for standardization, hindering widespread adoption. According to the WHO, more than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products. Only 5-35% of 80 million people who need a wheelchair have access to one, depending on the country in which they live. Globally, 1.5 billion people have hearing loss, yet hearing aid production currently meets less than 10% of the global demand. The next wave of innovation must focus on affordability and universal design principles to reach those who need these machines the most. We can only hope that with increasing global cooperation and government support initiatives, the vision of a world where assistive technology is universally accessible to everyone everywhere will finally be realized.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from TechCircle.