2024 Trends in Assistive Technology & AI from Dr. Bryan Wolynski

In our last webinar of 2023, we were delighted that Dr. Wolynski, Chief Technology Officer at the Lighthouse Guild, joined us to share his insightful perspectives on the evolving trends in assistive technology and AI for 2024.

Here's a summary of Dr. Wolynski’s thoughts of what the year ahead holds for us all.

Embracing AI in Assistive Technology

One of the key themes Dr. Wolynski highlighted was the rising significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of assistive technology. "AI has been there, but it's something new to the public," he said, underlining the importance of adapting to and trusting this evolving technology. This echoes Envision's own journey, where we continuously harness AI to enhance our app and glasses, making them more intuitive and responsive to user needs.

Aging Tech: A Growing Focus

Dr. Wolynski pointed out an upcoming trend in Aging Tech, emphasizing the increasing need for assistive technology among the aging population. He stated, "We're going to see more vision loss... technology's role is to facilitate active aging."

This trend resonates with our efforts at Envision to provide solutions like our AI-powered glasses, helping individuals navigate their daily lives with greater ease and independence.

The Rise of Wearable Technology

A future where wearable technology continues to break new ground, will become an increasingly integral part of everyday life and interactions. Dr. Wolynski sees an unprecedented growth for wearables, particularly smart glasses. The devices would surpass their conventional visual support role, evolving into more comprehensive and interactive sensory tools. "It’s going to be glasses and pin-ons giving us information," he remarked. This evolution is especially impactful for the blind and low-vision community, promising wearables like Envision Glasses that continue to improve their interactive elements such as Ask Envision to achieve greater independence. 

Addressing Privacy Concerns

As technology advances, privacy and data security concerns grow. Dr. Wolynski calls for a balanced approach, advocating for privacy protection and the implementation of appropriate regulations to ensure user safety.

Government Support for Assistive Tech

The need for increased government support such as Medicare in the U.S and advocacy in assistive technology was also reiterated. He encouraged proactive involvement with local nonprofits and government agencies to raise awareness and support. This collective approach can greatly benefit the development and accessibility of assistive technologies.

Dr. Wolynski’s insights offer a notable perspective into the trends shaping the future of assistive technology and AI. As we step into 2024, we remain committed to enhancing the lives of the blind and low-vision community with our technology.

Watch the full webinar below:

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