Artificial Intelligence in Assistive Technology

By Michael Awood

October 1, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer in many sectors, including healthcare. AI has been successful in Assistive Technology, an area that’s always been at the forefront of technology.

AI has the potential to revolutionize AT, as highlighted by the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities. It can enhance assistive robots, autonomous wheelchairs, and guidance systems for visually impaired individuals. Speech recognition improvements are improving AT applications, while smart homes can boost independence and well-being.

However, challenges exist. AI systems learn from data “training sets,” and if these sets lack diversity, the technology may not reflect the needs of diverse human experiences. Also, the transparency of the data labelling process and lack of diversity in data collection can lead to biased AI tools. Therefore, AI training sets must include AT users to ensure the technology caters to their needs.

Many of these technologies are still in development and have yet to overcome significant barriers. For example, people with dysarthria are hard for speech recognition systems to understand, and smart wheelchairs have trouble detecting descending stairs.

The healthcare workforce should be trained in using digital products and AI tools to educate future generations. This is part of a broader framework to support these technologies’ development and sustainability.

Regulations, standards, and policies also need to keep pace with technological advancements. The proposed EU legislation has raised concerns among the European Disability Forum as it does not sufficiently address and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, especially when AI is used for access to public and private services.

AI could revolutionize AT, but it’s important to involve AT users and healthcare providers in the development process. This involves talking about the ethical use of these technologies and creating rules and policies to govern them.

Reference url

Recent Posts

elderly care costs 2025
      

Elderly Care Costs 2025: Rising Financial Pressures in Dutch Health Services

💡 Are you prepared for the surge in elderly care costs projected for 2025?

A recent report from Zorginstituut Nederland reveals that the financial burden on the Dutch health system is set to rise significantly due to demographic shifts and increased demand for complex care. As policymakers navigate these challenges, the insights address crucial implications for health economics, reimbursement strategies, and sustainable access to care.

Don’t miss out on understanding how these trends could shape the future of healthcare. Dive into the full article for comprehensive insights!

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #HealthcarePolicy #DigitalTransformation

silencing science impact
      

Silencing Science Impact: Political Interference and Global Health Consequences

🔍 Are political interventions threatening the very foundation of scientific integrity?

A recent article from the BMJ highlights alarming shifts within U.S. governance that are undermining scientific autonomy, equity in health research, and public trust. From funding cuts to the suppression of critical fields like climate science, the implications are far-reaching.

Curious about how these changes may affect the future of healthcare and innovative reimbursement? Dive into the full discussion to understand the stakes and potential solutions.

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #HealthcarePolicy

AAP childhood obesity guidelines
     

Caution Advised: Conflicts in AAP Childhood Obesity Guidelines

Are childhood obesity guidelines driving us toward conflict? 🌍 The recent AAP guidelines suggest weight loss medications for children as young as eight, but undisclosed financial ties to drug manufacturers raise serious questions about credibility.

In this article, we dive into the implications of these conflicts and the evidence gaps surrounding pharmaceutical interventions in pediatric care. Transparency and trust are crucial when it comes to the health of our children—let’s explore what needs to change.

Read more to find out how these guidelines could impact families, clinicians, and healthcare policy.

#SyenzaNews #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcarePolicy

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

JOIN NEWSLETTER

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.