8 New Assistive Technologies for 2024

Reprint from Focus Care

If you are living with a disability, technology can aid in community inclusion, getting your medication or simply getting around.

This year, we’ve scoured the industry to bring you our list of the most exciting new assistive technology tools available today to help those with sensory, cognitive and physical disabilities.

Some of these technologies are so new that they’re not available in Australia just yet, but if the overseas trials go well enough, we will hopefully be seeing them rolled out here too.

Top 8 New Assistive Technology Devices

1. Orbiter Smart Cushion

The Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion is a specialized seat cushion for wheelchairs. It is equipped with advanced sensors that identify and address the factors that can lead to pressure sores. By intelligently redistributing weight and providing relief from pressure, it effectively reduces the chances of developing pressure-related injuries.

Through its redistribution mechanism, the Kalogon Orbiter ensures that sensitive areas are not subjected to direct pressure. This not only aids in the healing of existing pressure ulcers but also acts as a preventive measure against new injuries. The technology is thoughtfully crafted to enhance the user’s tolerance to prolonged sitting, enabling them to maintain an active and comfortable seated lifestyle, whatever their physical disabilities may be.

To personalize the experience, individuals can conveniently adjust the cushion’s comfort and stability settings using a dedicated mobile application available for both iOS and Android mobile devices here.

2. GlassOuse hands-free mouse

The GlassOuse is a hands-free mouse alternative tool created to assist individuals with mobility impairments, especially those who find traditional mice challenging due to physical disabilities. It allows users to navigate computers, tablets, or smartphones using head movements and facial gestures, eliminating the need for manual hand control. It can also be used to operate environmental control devices, speech generating devices and other communication aids.

Comprising a computer in a lightweight frame worn like glasses, the GlassOuse features strategically placed sensors that track the user’s head movements. It establishes a connection to assistive devices via Bluetooth or USB. The sensors interpret these movements into on-screen cursor actions. Users with physical disabilities can perform tasks like clicking, scrolling, and dragging by executing specific head movements or using a bite-click button attached to the device.

This innovative assistive technology is particularly valuable for people with disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and other neuromuscular disorders affecting hand and arm mobility. By providing an avenue to interact with digital communication devices, access the internet, communicate, and manage tasks independently, the GlassOuse contributes to enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for those with physical disability.

3. Ara Assistive Technology Device by Strap Technologies

You could think of Strap Technologies’ Ara as a kind of wearable cane for the vision impaired. Equipped with advanced sensors and software, Ara interprets the user’s surroundings and provides feedback to the wearer, enabling them to navigate their daily lives more efficiently and securely.

Using sensors strategically positioned on the wearer’s head, chest, and lower body, Ara continuously collects real-time data from the environment. This information is then translated into haptic feedback, for example, alerting the user to potential dangers in their path. Specific vibration patterns are assigned to different situations, ensuring effective communication.

Ara’s ingenuity lies in its ability to adapt seamlessly to the user’s walking pace. When the wearer is moving briskly, the technology extends its reach to identify obstacles at a greater distance, enhancing proactive hazard avoidance.

Strap Technologies states that Ara contributes to an impressive 80% reduction in the likelihood of accidents caused by previously unnoticed objects. This wearable device exemplifies a significant step forward in enhancing the safety and mobility of individuals with visual impairments.

4. Xander Glasses by Xander

Xander Glasses by Xander are intelligent eyewear that use the latest ai driven speech recognition software to provide captions, much like the closed captions on your tv, for real-life conversations. They cater to individuals dealing with hearing impairment and can be used in addition to traditional hearing aids.

These smart spectacles transcribe and discreetly project speech onto its lenses, enabling wearers to seamlessly engage in discussions while maintaining direct eye contact with speakers.

Users have the flexibility to designate the preferred location for caption display on the glasses and no internet connection is required to operate the speech recognition software.

5. AngelSense Watch

The AngelSense Watch is a GPS tracking watch designed to assist those with independent living challenges. The AngelSense watch allows carers to talk to their loved ones and make sure they’re doing well at any time. There’s also an SOS call button on the device that the wearer can press just in case they need their carer.

The watch also allows carers to trace the paths and exact whereabouts of their loved ones and enables swift location identification during emergencies. This assistive technology device also enables customizable safe zones, automatic geofencing and a daily timeline with detailed location history. It also learns the wearer’s regular routes and alerts the caregiver when the wearer strays from those routes.

In addition, the watch features an audible device alarm and an assistive speakerphone button that allows communication by the caregiver even when their loved one is unable to operate the device.

There is a subscription fee to use an AngelSense watch but there’s a free trial available so you can give it a go and send it back if you’re not happy with it.

6. Smart Glove by Neofect

The Smart Glove by Neofect is designed to help individuals with stroke, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological conditions regain hand function through interactive rehabilitation exercises. The glove uses sensors to track hand movements and provides real-time feedback via a connected app, helping users improve their functional capabilities and perform tasks more effectively.

Through engaging, game-like exercises, users can practice movements that enhance their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The Smart Glove adapts to the user’s progress, offering increasingly challenging activities to ensure continuous improvement. The app also provides detailed information on the user’s performance, enabling therapists to tailor rehabilitation programs more effectively.

7. Oticon More Hearing Aids

Oticon More is a revolutionary hearing aid that utilises advanced AI to improve speech understanding and reduce listening effort. These hearing aids feature a deep neural network that mimics the way the brain processes sound, providing a more natural and precise listening experience.

Oticon More hearing aids are designed to adapt to various listening environments, ensuring clear sound quality in noisy settings and during conversations. The assistive devices also offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to stream audio directly from their mobile devices and other electronic devices. This integration with modern technology enhances the user experience and provides greater accessibility for people with disabilities such as hearing impairments.

8. Proloquo2Go Alternative Communication Devices

Proloquo2Go is an assistive communication app designed to support individuals who have difficulty speaking. This high technology device allows users to communicate through a robust symbol-based communication system, which can be personalized to meet the specific needs of the user.

The app includes a comprehensive vocabulary system, speech generating capabilities, and customizable features to support various communication needs. Proloquo2Go can be used on iPads and iPhones, making it a versatile tool for enhancing communication skills for people with disabilities such as speech impairments, autism, cerebral palsy, and other conditions affecting speech.