AI‐Powered Assistive Technologies: emerging pathways, opportunities, and challenges for persons with disabilities

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the field of assistive technologies (AT). This contribution examines the state of development and recent trends in AI-powered assistive technologies—those enhanced by AI algorithms—investigating the opportunities and challenges that this innovation presents for individuals with disabilities. To this end, a dual approach was adopted: (1) the analysis of the WIPO Technology Trends Report on Assistive Technology (2021), based on the examination of over 130,000 patents, which proposes a multi-level taxonomy to classify AT and distinguishes between conventional and emerging technologies, the latter characterized by a high integration of AI; (2) a systematic review of the scientific literature (2021–2025). The technologies identified in the 19 selected studies were reclassified according to the levels of the emerging WIPO taxonomy, highlighting a growing convergence between AI, robotics, sensors, and neural interfaces. The emerging trajectories largely confirm the findings outlined in the WIPO report but also highlight an evolution towards hybrid and highly customizable forms. This rapid proliferation of new algorithmic models and the increasing complexity of systems, as will be discussed in the concluding section of this contribution, certainly open new opportunities in the lives of individuals with disabilities, while simultaneously requiring careful monitoring to prevent significant challenges.