Lowering barriers faced by people with disabilities and improving accessibility through the introduction of AI
Expanding the scope of assistive technology application from functional assistance for the disabled to emotional support
The 'CSUN Assistive Technology Conference 2026,' the world's largest festival of assistive technology, was held at the Anaheim Marriott in the United States from March 9 to 13. Organized by the Center for Disabilities at the University of California, Northridge (CSUN), this event serves as a global platform where researchers and industry professionals from around the world gather to discuss the latest technologies and policies. This year, the conference concluded with great success, featuring the active participation of numerous global companies that shared the latest research findings and practical application examples in assistive technology. Assistive Technology (AT) refers to a field of technology that uses technology to resolve daily inconveniences experienced by people with disabilities and the elderly, supporting them in leading more independent lives.
<Event Overview>
| Event name | CSUN Assistive Technology Conference 2026 |
| 일시 | April 2026 - April 3, 9 |
| Place | Anaheim Marriott |
| host | California State University, Northridge |
| Number of participating companies | 124 pieces |
| number of visitors | About 5,000 people |
[Source: Compiled by KOTRA Silicon Valley Trade Office]
<CSUN Assistive Technology Conference 2026 Exhibition Hall Scene
[Source: Directly photographed by KOTRA Silicon Valley Trade Office]
The exhibition hall went beyond simple product displays to serve as a venue where the actual implementation level and marketability of technology could be directly verified. Over 120 companies and organizations participated, demonstrating a variety of products and services, and garnered enthusiastic interest from officials at educational, government, and research institutions, as well as actual users—people with disabilities. A busy five-day schedule unfolded at each booth, involving activities such as allowing visitors to experience products firsthand and collecting feedback.
One of the key trends observed at this exhibition is the gradual integration of AI technology into existing assistive technology products. For instance, Be My Eyes supported environmental perception for the visually impaired through AI-based image description capabilities, while WeWALK showcased technology that aids in obstacle recognition while walking using a smart cane combining sensors and software. Additionally, Glidance presented new possibilities for mobility support technology through the exhibition of walking assistance robots, and Sony expanded the scope of assistive technology from physical assistance to emotional support by displaying AI-based robots.
Be My Eyes, AI Transition to a visual information support service
Be My Eyes is a leading accessibility platform for the visually impaired that has traditionally provided services by describing the surrounding environment through real-time connections with volunteers. Recently, it has been attempting a change in its service structure by introducing the 'Be My AI' feature, which incorporates AI technology. Based on image recognition and natural language processing, this feature automatically describes the surrounding situation and reads text aloud. This allows users to check information more quickly and enables them to use the service without human assistance in simple situations. The case of Be My Eyes demonstrates that assistive technology services are gradually expanding to be AI-based alongside human-centered services.
[Source: Directly photographed by KOTRA Silicon Valley Trade Office]
WeWalk, Smart walking assistance technology combining sensors and AI
WeWALK is a company that develops smart canes for the visually impaired, characterized by the integration of sensor and software functions into traditional walking aids. The product utilizes ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles at the user's upper body height and transmits this information via vibration or voice. It also connects with smartphones to support navigation and location-based information. Recently, technology has been advancing in a direction that improves user convenience through voice interfaces and AI-based features. The case of WeWALK demonstrates the trend of evolution from "physical devices to digital platforms" as sensors and software are combined with traditional walking aids. In particular, it suggests that the convergence of physical devices and software is becoming a significant direction in the field of assistive technology.
[Source: Directly photographed by KOTRA Silicon Valley Trade Office]
Glidance, A New Approach to Autonomous Driving Robotics-Based Walking Assistance Technology
Glidance is a company that develops walking assistance robots utilizing autonomous driving technology, demonstrating a different approach from existing canes or walking aids. This technology focuses on guiding the direction of movement rather than directly supporting the user. It is designed so that the robot perceives the surrounding environment and creates a path together with the user. This approach expands the concept of existing assistive devices to the next level, demonstrating that walking assistance technology is gradually evolving into active support. Glidance serves as a prime example of the trend in which robotics technology is applied to the field of assistive technology, and is considered a technology with promising future development potential.
[Source: Directly photographed by KOTRA Silicon Valley Trade Office]
Sony, From physical function support to emotional support for people with disabilities
Sony demonstrated the potential of emotional support technology in the field of assistive technology through its robot dog, 'Aibo'. Aibo is characterized by its AI-based learning of users' behaviors and reactions, and its ability to form emotional bonds through interaction with humans. At the exhibition, visitors could be observed interacting directly with the robot. Its distinguishing feature is that the technology focuses on building relationships with the user, going beyond simple functional performance. In particular, this type of technology can be seen as an example of expanding the scope of assistive technology applications by supporting the emotional stability and social interaction of people with disabilities and the elderly.
Visitors interacting with the robot dog Aibo at the Sony booth >
[Source: Directly photographed by KOTRA Silicon Valley Trade Office]
The KOTRA Silicon Valley Trade Center examined the trends of change resulting from the adoption of AI through an interview with Andy Bailey, CMO of Be My Eyes.
Kotra: How has AI brought about changes to Be My Eyes' services?
Andy: Our service has been operating based on 10 million volunteers worldwide. It works by having volunteers describe the scene right in front of a visually impaired person in real time through their smartphone camera. Two years ago, we began offering a service integrated with AI. Currently, users can choose whether to receive assistance from volunteers as before or to utilize AI agents.
Kotra: What is the ratio of service requests made to volunteers and AI agents, respectively?
Andy: Currently, about 300 to 400 million requests come into the AI agent every month. Volunteers receive about 12 calls. AI is utilized much more frequently. However, volunteer calls are also gradually increasing.
Kotra: There are overwhelmingly many requests for AI agents. The fact that users are increasing for both service options suggests that there are many people with disabilities who need these services. At the same time, this appears to be the result of the introduction of AI significantly improving usability. In that case, is the primary target audience for Be My Eyes the visually impaired?
Andy: It is true that our service is primarily for the visually impaired and those with low vision. However, there are also cases where elderly people seek out our service. For instance, volunteers provide detailed guidance on how to use software to seniors who are unfamiliar with digital devices.
Kotra: You mentioned that the introduction of AI has brought about many changes. What changes do you expect in the future?
Andy: Be My Eyes is the first company to integrate AI into assistive technology. I believe that regardless of how future technology unfolds, the goal of all companies in the assistive technology field is to improve the quality of services by introducing technologies that help people with disabilities. I see the future direction of assistive technology as its integration with wearables. Be My Eyes is preparing to launch smart glasses for the visually impaired in collaboration with Meta.
< Interview with Andy Bailey, CMO of Be My Eyes >
[Source: Directly photographed by KOTRA Silicon Valley Trade Office]
CSUN 2026Korean assistive technology showcased at
At CSUN 2026, Korean companies also showcased a large number of products developed based on their unrivaled technological capabilities in the field of assistive technology. In particular, companies presenting innovative technologies integrated with AI received significant attention. Orinu, a promising Korean startup that unveiled a 'Braille Workstation' capable of instant Braille output via an AI-based Braille translation platform, was praised as an affordable solution applicable to both homes and offices. Selvas Healthcare unveiled three models of the next-generation AI Braille terminal 'BrailleSense 7' series, introducing a product line that dramatically enhances information accessibility and usability.
LG Electronics showcased various accessibility solutions designed to lower barriers to daily life and support the more convenient use of home appliances by people with disabilities. Dot, Inc. exhibited a tablet for the visually impaired that converts digital images into tactile graphics to aid in shape recognition. They also presented concrete real-life application examples through a kiosk solution for the visually impaired developed in collaboration with LG Electronics. Mango Slab, a CES Innovation Award winner, drew attention by introducing a solution capable of instantly producing Braille labels for key information, such as medication details. The SK Happiness Foundation presented examples of accessibility improvements in the education sector by showcasing Slidot, a Braille learning toy for visually impaired children, and JUMP, a workbook.
Korean Companies Participating in CSUN 2026 >
[Source: Directly photographed by KOTRA Silicon Valley Trade Office]
implication
CSUN 2026 served as an opportunity to witness the innovative changes occurring as AI technology becomes fully integrated into the field of assistive technology. Through this event, a clear trend emerged in which products equipped with AI capabilities are overcoming existing limitations, dramatically lowering usage barriers, and improving overall accessibility. In particular, it was confirmed that AI is playing a key assistive role in various areas such as vision, mobility, and voice recognition, evolving the user experience in a user-friendly direction.
Furthermore, with the emergence of numerous robotics-based 'Physical AI' solutions, notable attempts were made to actively support users' mobility and activities, going beyond merely assisting with simple functions. With the addition of emotional technologies that enable emotional connection, assistive technology is now expanding beyond physical support into a realm that cares for users' entire lives. Korean companies are also leading this global trend through innovative solutions and securing unrivaled competitiveness by sophisticatedly combining hardware and software. CSUN 2026 demonstrated that, powered by AI, assistive technology is simultaneously realizing functional expansion and improved accessibility, advancing toward a more practical and user-centric future.