Artificial Intelligence-based Assistive Devices for People with Disabilities: New Products and Future Prospects of Global Companies
[Disability Awareness Column] Disability Awareness Newspaper = Choi Bong-hyeok Columnist

Introduction
The remarkable advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is bringing about innovation in various fields, particularly contributing to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Global companies are developing innovative assistive devices for people with disabilities by incorporating AI technology, opening up new possibilities in various areas such as mobility, communication, and learning. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the current status and future prospects of AI-based assistive devices for people with disabilities, and analyzes the positive impact that these technologies can have on disability awareness, enhanced job skills, and employment promotion.

1. Current Status of AI-based Assistive Devices for People with Disabilities

1.1 Key Products of Global Companies

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI): This technology analyzes brainwaves to control external devices, assisting people with paralysis who are conscious with communication and mobility. Neuralink, Synchron, etc. are representative companies.

Exoskeletons: These are robots worn on body parts that are weak or paralyzed to assist with movement. Ekso Bionics, ReWalk Robotics, etc. are developing related products.

Visual Assistive Devices: Smart glasses and tactile displays for people with visual impairments are being developed, and AI is enhancing image recognition and voice narration functions.

Auditory Assistive Devices: Cochlear implants, artificial cochleae, etc. are available for people with hearing impairments, and AI is being used to improve speech recognition accuracy in noisy environments.

1.2 The Role of AI Technology
Personalized Services: AI analyzes individual physical characteristics and environments to provide customized assistive functions.
Natural Interaction: Voice recognition and natural language processing technology enables more natural interaction with users.
Continuous Learning: AI continuously learns based on user data to improve performance.
Prediction and Prevention: Monitors health conditions and detects anomalies to take predictive and preventive measures.

2. Future Prospects of AI-based Assistive Devices for People with Disabilities
Integration of Various Functions
Complex assistive devices that integrate various functions such as mobility, communication, and learning will be developed by combining various sensors and AI technology.

Advanced Human-Machine Interaction: Advances in brain-computer interface technology will make interaction between humans and machines more intuitive and natural.

Integration with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Technology: VR/AR technology will be used to support people with disabilities in having richer experiences.

Data-driven Personalized Services: Big data analysis will provide personalized services tailored to individual user characteristics and environments.

3. Changes AI-based Assistive Devices Will Bring

3.1 Improved Disability Awareness
Changes in Perception Brought About by Technological Advancement: As AI technology enables people with disabilities to live more independently, social awareness will improve.
Realizing the Potential of People with Disabilities: By supporting people with disabilities in maximizing their potential through AI assistive devices, it will contribute to breaking down social prejudices.

3.2 Enhanced Job Skills and Employment Promotion
Improved Job Performance: AI assistive devices can help improve productivity by supplementing the physical and cognitive functions needed for people with disabilities to perform their jobs.
Ability to Perform a Variety of Jobs: Advancements in AI technology will expand the range of jobs that people with disabilities can perform.
Expanded Employment Opportunities: As job performance improves and the scope of jobs expands, employment opportunities for people with disabilities will increase.

3.3 Expanded Social Participation
Ability to Live Independently: AI assistive devices will enable people with disabilities to live independently, thereby promoting social participation.
Increased Community Activities: AI-powered communication tools allow people with disabilities to communicate more easily with others and participate in community activities.

Conclusion
AI-based assistive devices for people with disabilities will play a significant role in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and expanding social participation. However, along with technological development, various efforts such as social awareness improvement and institutional support should be made together so that AI technology can provide real help to people with disabilities.

=Choi Bong-hyeok Columnist=
(ESG·RE100·DX· AI Convergence Expert, Disability Awareness Education Expert in the Workplace)
Vice Chairman, Korea AI·ESG Education Association
Director, Korean Society of Procurement and Logistics
Director, Korea Media Information Technology Association
Publisher, Sports People Times
Publisher, Disability Awareness Newspaper
Korea Federation of Disabled People's Cultural and Arts Organizations
Vice Chairman, Cultural and Arts Policy Committee
Disability Awareness Expert in the Workplace
Books
•Whisper of Americano in the Morning Mist - Coffee Essay
•Disability Awareness Column - ESG Management - Disability Inclusion Policy
•2024 Bitcoin Outlook and Fact Check
•2024 Bitcoin Outlook in the Second Half
•AI Prophecy - 2024 Best 13 AI Trend Outlook
•Essay on the Special Exhibition of Artists with Developmental Disabilities in Gyeongnam
•ESG Management Column
•The Hidden Hero of US-Korea Civilian Diplomacy, Dong-woo Park, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Disability Policy in the Obama Administration
•The Cube of Flexibility - Jung-eun Lim, Author, Choi Bong-hyeok Essay
•ESG.RE100 Management Column
•Break Through the Darkness and Open the Dawn (Planned Publication)

[References]

Neuralink: https://neuralink.com/
Synchron: https://www.synchron.com/
Ekso Bionics: https://www.eksobionics.com/
ReWalk Robotics: https://www.rewalk.com/

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