The Brazilian company Hoo-Box.com has developed a Wheelie Kit (shown left), which uses a 3D camera to read 14 facial expressions (even a wink or a raised eyebrow) to navigate a wheelchair. The technology is particularly helpful for people who lack the ability to move their body below the face or neck. It uses AI and machine learning—and as Hoo-Box-ers like to say, it’s fully smile-compatible. Here’s an interview with their founder, Paulo Pinheiro. SEE THE VIDEO
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Top Technology Trends to Transform Mobility in 2019
Good news for the travel community: Inclusive and accessible mobility will continue to be a focus in 2019. In addition, trip planning that uses technology will also grow considerably this year. Other trends include (everyone’s favorite) data sharing and curbside management. While there has been much discussion over the past few years about how significant an impact curb usage has on mobility, 2019 will bring actual pilot projects that show how to effectively manage the curb, explains Carol Schweiger in this recent Intelligent Transport report. READ MORE
IBM Scientist Develops AI to Transform Lives of People Who Are Visually Impaired
Japanese-born Chieko Asakawa, now a technologist at IBM, was inspired to improve the lives of people who are visually impaired after she was injured in an accident as a teenager. (She was completely blind by age 14.) Today, Chieko Asakawa has already made huge contributions to accessibility research. She’s won many awards, including Japan’s Medal of Honour for her work. The IBM team’s latest idea uses AI to help people who are visually impaired to navigate complicated indoor locations via an app. Ultimately, the app will help people to use a cane less and to seamlessly navigate offices and other indoor spaces where mapping technology can’t do the job. Read more.