Several companies have made significant strides in the realm of assistive technology for people with disabilities in recent months. Notable names include Apple, Google, and the Japanese robotics company, Cyberdyne.
Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, with human needs growing across all fields and industries. For people with disabilities, their need for technological advancements is often more critical, as it provides them with the tools to live more comfortably and alleviate the challenges of their disabilities.
In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in the efforts of various tech platforms to develop tools and applications specifically designed to improve the daily lives of people with disabilities. These innovations aim to harness technology to help them overcome obstacles and live more independently.
Among the leading companies in this field are Apple, Google, and the Japanese robotics company Cyberdyne, all of which have introduced notable innovations for people with disabilities in recent months.
Apple's Contribution:
Apple recently proposed adding 13 new disability-related emojis to the Unicode Consortium. As reported by outlets like The Telegraph, these emojis represent people with various disabilities, including wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, and individuals with prosthetic limbs.
Apple’s proposal aimed to make the emoji world more inclusive, ensuring that every group of people, including those with disabilities, could be represented in the virtual realm.
Google’s Innovation:
Google has added a new feature to its popular Maps app, allowing wheelchair users to find the most accessible routes. As noted by Daily Mail and other sources, the feature is currently available in cities such as New York, Mexico City, Sydney, Tokyo, and London.
The service helps wheelchair users find the best routes by mapping out wheelchair-friendly paths and sidewalks equipped with ramps. Users can activate the feature by navigating to the "Route Option" menu and selecting "Wheelchair Accessible" instead of "Best Route." The accessible route is highlighted in orange, guiding users safely to their destination.
Google aims to expand this service globally, making it easier for wheelchair users to navigate different cities and find suitable paths for their daily commutes.
Cyberdyne’s Breakthrough:
Japanese robotics company Cyberdyne has received FDA approval in the U.S. for its "HAL" electronic leg, designed to help people with paralysis walk again. According to Daily Mail and other sources, Cyberdyne has been working on this project since 2009, testing it on thousands of patients in Japan.
The HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) leg is controlled by the brain. It uses sensors to detect brain signals, allowing the user to control the prosthetic limb similarly to a natural leg. The sensors are attached to the patient’s legs, receiving movement commands from the brain and translating them into actions performed by the electronic leg.
The HAL leg offers flexibility in walking, sitting, and standing, enabling users to regain most of their lost mobility. Additionally, the leg can be controlled via a device that allows the user to turn the electric circuits on or off and adjust walking speed.
The HAL leg is available in multiple sizes to suit different users, with small, medium, and large models designed to accommodate varying heights.
Virtual Reality Suit for Spinal Injury Patients:
Another recent innovation comes from a British company, which is developing a virtual reality (VR) suit initially designed for video games but now being adapted to assist people with spinal injuries. The Telegraph reported that this VR suit, known as the "Tesla Suit," allows players to experience physical sensations like heat, cold, and impacts while playing video games.
With further technical modifications, the Tesla Suit will be used to help spinal injury patients regain their ability to move and feel physical sensations. The suit is being developed by VR Electronics, which hopes to launch it soon.
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