Scientists and inventors are putting a lot of effort into steering technology towards making the lives of the disabled easier. Millions of people around the world aren’t able to enjoy their lives due to an incapacitating accident, old age, or many other factors. Prosthetics, wheelchair-friendly cars, and other innovations are making it much easier for those unable to move around. While there are some medical scenarios where the patient can gain back their movement capabilities after procedures or rehabilitation, not everyone has the same luxury. This is why technological innovations that restore or enhance movement are often the last hope of many people. We’ll be listing some of the top innovations that are currently used to enhance movement capabilities.
Laser Keyboards
People that aren't able to use their hands to type on a keyboard can still use a computer thanks to laser-driven keyboards. A device is attached to a user’s glasses or on a headband and the user can navigate the keys of the keyboard, which is usually in a stand-up workstation to avoid putting the users in bad posture. It may take some time to get used to but the users will be able to quickly type on it after some practice.
Motorized Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs already offer great movement facilitation to those who aren’t able to use their legs or have injuries. The emergence of motorized wheelchairs provides, even more, luxury and facilitation by giving the users thrusting motors inside the wheelchair. These wheelchairs have wheels that are attached to electric motors powered by batteries. There is no need for the user to exert physical power to move, not to mention that the movement will be much smoother thanks to the motor.
Stair-Climbing Wheelchair
One of the most troublesome issues users of wheelchairs face in their daily lives is non-accessibility-friendly stairs. Instead of waiting for help, stair-climbing wheelchairs can make it possible for the user to climb up the stairs. The wheelchair comes with a dynamic system of rollers and wheels that are specifically designed to provide safe and steady movement on the stairs without jeopardizing the user’s health.
Self-Stabilizing Handles
Those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease or other movement-debilitating ailings may find it hard to use conventional utensils to eat with. This can cause distress in many situations where tremors inhibit the users from being able to eat, which can cause psychological distress and long-term damage. Fortunately, there are self-stabilizing utensils that help the users eat without having tremors disrupt their sessions or accidentally spill the content in the utensil. Mechanical vibrations produced from the device combat the involuntary movement that can affect the attached utensil in the device.
3D Printed Limbs
Prosthetic limbs have been under a lot of development in the last few decades as technology is constantly adding new features that make them more convenient. 3D printing is believed to be the latest life-changing addition to prosthetic limbs. It’s now possible to custom-make printed arms, legs, and limbs while having them look exactly as the user prefers. These limbs can help the disabled navigate, use items, and even walk.
Driverless Cars
The world is holding its breath for the upcoming driverless cars that are under development by major international conglomerates. The true benefits of these cars aren’t just convenience, but it can actually be a necessity for those who aren’t able to drive a car themselves. This will finally allow the disabled to have autonomy over the car instead of relying on taxis or having someone drive them. The possibilities are endless thanks to this innovative and futuristic potential invention.
Accessibility Maps
Unfortunately, most major cities and local towns don’t offer a lot of accessibility options for those who have movement disabilities, whether in transportation options or accessibility stairs. In the last few years, a few dedicated applications have emerged that help map out places that have accessibility options, which can be a major help. Instead of traveling a long way only to find out that the location isn’t accessible, you’ll be able to determine whether the location is worth the trip by looking at accessibility maps.
Virtual Reality
While virtual reality is surely being marketed as a fun accessory and the future of gaming, it’s hard to overlook the fact that it can also be used in other applications that enhance the experience of those who suffer from disabilities. From visual to movement disabilities, virtual reality has the power to simulate a lot of things to the view, facilitating planning, physical rehabilitation, and try normally out-of-reach experience.
Movement disabilities can ruin a lot of experience for many people who suffer from them. Technology is, fortunately, going in the right way and a lot of attention is recently being poured into research and development. From virtual reality to stair-climbing wheelchairs, there are more innovations from where that came from.
