Empowering Accessibility: Part 1 - Enhanced Mobility and Autonomy with AI
Dr Mario Bojilov - MEngsSc, CISA, F Fin, PhD
I work with forward-looking, deep-thinking non-executive directors (NEDs) to help them harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) and create profoundly impactful organisations.
Author: Divya Nair , Co-author: Dr Mario Bojilov - MEngsSc, CISA, F Fin, PhD
Summary:
For 5.5 million Australians, living with disability, AI wouldn't just be changing a city—it will be unlocking it.
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing accessibility for disabled individuals, particularly in urban environments. By enhancing mobility, AI enables more autonomous navigation through AI-powered applications that provide real-time data on accessible routes, predict travel needs, and offer augmented reality assistance. This article explores the transformative potential of AI in public transportation and city infrastructure, focusing on how these technologies can improve the quality of life for disabled people in cities like Brisbane, Australia.
Use Case 1
To make the council's bus, ferry and the much-anticipated Metro service more disabled-friendly, many transformations can be brought to the current Translink app with the help of AI Information about the accessible routes, wheelchair ramps, elevators, and minimal step routes can be made available with the help of real-time data analysis by AI.
Crowdsourced data can provide information regarding accessibility on a particular bus or train. The real-time data can be used to alert the individual about seat availability, elevator malfunctions, and the station's current state or the platform so that the user can make an informed decision to avoid inaccessible places. Predictive assistance can be used based on previous travel patterns to set reminders and to alert the user that their stop is approaching.
Augmented reality and visual guidance can provide the user with visual guidance and audio cues for navigation, help them choose the correct bus or transit stop and guide them through the complex transit systems. Inculcating these AI-driven features can make the Transklink app a powerful tool for enhancing mobility and independence for people with disabilities.?
The figure below, showing the number of projects across different domains, illustrates that a city can create a robust data ecosystem around public transport and its users, supported by extensive sensor and historical data. These data sources are critical for deploying AI solutions that can enhance the accessibility and efficiency of a city’s transport system. There is also an opportunity to further expand data collection related to roads, private cars, and real-time conditions to create a more comprehensive and adaptive AI-driven transport strategy.
Use Case 2
With close to 22% of Australians living with disability, it is essential to make facilities and bring changes to the current infrastructure that brings restrictions or impairs the daily activities of a disabled person. As per the 2021 report, 5.7% of the population living in the Greater Brisbane region live with some disability. To make a city more inclusive, it is essential to create a space where disabled people can have complete autonomy.
One way to make a city more accessible involves thoroughly assessing the major public, such as museums, tourist hotspots, government buildings, etc., and installing Bluetooth sensors and beacons. These beacons will be positioned to communicate with the user's devices effectively.
The beacons will be programmed with location-specific data, nearby amenities, obstacles and directional cues. The application supporting this data transmitted through the beacons will offer audio, visual and haptic guidance to alert the user of navigation changes.
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Use Case 3
Imagine making dinner plans with friends and discovering that all the nearby diners are running at total capacity. Physically disabled face such problems every day when they find that many of the public spaces are either not disabled-friendly or out of space. One way to make a city more disabled-friendly is by creating a crowdsourced map that lets users know about accessibility, specifically in restaurants, stores, parking areas, and transit stations; moreover, sensors can be deployed in public spaces to make this data accurate.
Locations will be colour-coded to signify whether the place is not accessible, partially accessible or fully accessible. This map can be integrated with the City Council application, allowing users to access accessibility information with other essential services.
Insights for Board Directors and Senior Leaders
Conclusion:
Artificial Intelligence holds the potential to significantly improve the daily lives of disabled individuals by making urban spaces more navigable and accessible. By incorporating AI-driven technologies into public transportation and city infrastructure, we can create environments where disabled people can move more independently and confidently. Whether through real-time data, predictive tools, or augmented reality, these innovations are not just about convenience but dignity and empowerment.
However, successfully implementing these AI technologies requires collaboration between government bodies, tech companies, and the community. It's not just about the technology itself but also about ensuring that it is accessible, user-friendly, and responsive to the actual needs of disabled individuals. As cities like Brisbane strive to become more inclusive, the integration of AI offers a promising pathway to achieving true accessibility and autonomy for all residents.
We have developed our Shaping Success with AI? (SS:ai?) framework to help Boards and senior leadership understand, introduce, and govern AI in their organisations. SS:ai? aims to help Boards move from Learner or User to Trailblazer and lead profoundly impactful organisations.
If you're a Board Director introducing AI into your organisation, don't hesitate to contact me for an exploratory discussion. You can send me a direct message here or book a 15-minute confidential session at https://bit.ly/ai-15min .