Make it make sense

Why is this interesting?

Some of the most interesting technologies at CES were focussed on breaking down barriers for people who are differently abled or neurodivergent.

Key products:

  • Glidance robotic cane

  • EssilorLuxotica hearing aid eyewear

  • Palmplug hand-tracking gloves

  • Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub

  • Nexstride

  • Nobi Smart Lamp

The critical questions:

  • How might you make life easier for people living with the effects of aging, common degenerative diseases, or neurodivergence?

The detail:

Across the show, there were a number of assistive technologies that have life-changing potential.

Glidance showed a robotic cane for the visually impaired that uses on-board image processing to guide people through unfamiliar environments. The motorised base can steer to avoid uneven ground, while a voice guide provides an active description of the environment through which the user is moving.

Local large language models found a natural home in an array of translation devices that bring the dream of the babel fish to life. Working without a cellular connection (car makers, take note), Timekettle's X1 Interpreter Hub was able to offer live transcription and translation of around 40 languages (including regional accents) right there on the show floor through wireless earbuds. The Fluentalk T1 added image translation capabilities.

Essilor Luxottica showed off the fruits of their acquisition of Nuance Hearing with a range of eyeglass frames that, in another nod to calm technology too, incorporate discrete, open-ear hearing aid technology. There are designed to help people suffering from mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

Palmplug's hand-tracking gloves, which provide both haptic and visual feedback have a multitude of uses as an interface device. But it was their use in supporting stroke recovery that was most interesting. By engaging patients in different types of play, the gloves help restore the brain body connection and, therefore, manual dexterity.

To explore how this theme might inspire and inform your design strategy, get in touch!

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