Artificial Intelligence is redefining what assistive devices can do for people with disabilities - making tools smarter, more adaptive, and deeply personal. From AI-driven smart goggles in India that interpret objects and alert users about hazards , to startups in Africa developing affordable prosthetics and mobility aids tailored to local needs , the steady advance is undeniable.

Real-world systems, like the AIris wearable for visually impaired users, combine natural language interfaces, scene description, barcode scanning, text reading and more - helping users interact with their environment with confidence . There are also AI systems easing shopping for visually impaired people, with indoor navigation, voice guidance, and environment scanning, which illuminate daily tasks previously very difficult .

Yet, fulfilling the promise of assistive AI at scale requires more than technical brilliance. Inclusive innovation must ensure that people with disabilities are involved in design - their feedback yields better, more usable tools. Governments and investors must fund research, set standards, regulate for affordability, and support mass deployment. Ecosystems like the assistive technology hub at Prayagraj leveraging academia, startups, and public agencies illustrate what collective action can produce .

For AI to truly revolutionize assistive devices, access must be universal. It’s not just about tools - it’s about dignity, inclusion, and ensuring every person has the chance to move, speak, work, and live more freely.