World's latest assistive smart technology, mobility devices on display at AccessAbilities Expo 2016

Driverless smart car, miracle device to control stuttering, Robotic Coffee Shop, Sign language to Speech device, and much more at the Expo

More than 150 exhibitors from over 30 countries showcase smart AT products and services
More than 50 million people in the Middle East to benefit from world's latest robotics and Assistive Technology products
Visitors fascinated by innovative smart technology products

Dubai: Visitors to the AccessAbilities Expo 2016 explored world's latest assistive smart technologies and therapy devices for people with disabilities being showcased by over 150 exhibitors from 30 countries.

AccessAbilities Expo is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

The visitors witnessed with astonishment a robot preparing coffee, tea and juices to the orders of customers, serving them and even listed their preferences using an interface on the seat at the Robotic Coffee Shop by Digi Robotics.

Elbee from the Czech Republic exhibited a special vehicle tailor-made for the driver, which can be directly driven from a wheelchair.

A person with disability can drive directly from his wheelchair, thus avoiding complicated methods of entering the vehicle, folding the wheelchair into the trunk and other complications associated with the use of vehicles converted to manual control. Even those who as yet could not drive at all or required the assistance of another person can travel independently. The vehicle is driven straight from the wheelchair.

AMMT showcased its new equipment and sensory products that can help develop motor skills and social skills among individuals with autism, Down syndrome and other disabilities.

The company is also displaying 'Speecheasy', a device which helps its user to control stuttering and speak fluently after training within about three hours.

The Expo also has on display the Middle East's first driverless smart car 'Taxi Bot', a specifically set and designed driverless smart vehicle which can accommodate up to eight people, consisting of two people with disabilities.

In the rehabilitation range of new products, Tyromotion GmbH, a world leading producer of robotics and computer assisted therapy devices, is presenting for the first time in the region a range of devices for clinics, rehabilitation centres and therapy practices.

Notable among them are Das Pablo System, a hand-arm rehabilitation device, Tymo Balance Training and Postural Control, Diego Arm-shoulder Rehabilitation and Amadeo Finger-hand rehabilitation.

Steve Greenwood, Managing Director, Lateral Design, UK, which is presenting specialist vehicles at the exhibition, said: "The need for mobility is more pronounced in this market. Earlier it was embarrassing for the people with disabilities to come out in the open or present themselves before others, but now it's a joy. People are celebrating disability, that these people are part of the society. They go to restaurants, flying in aircraft, travel extensively, doing everything. They need not be denied the pleasures the able-bodied people have. The real staggering thing is that the range of disabilities that are catered for here is in excellent shape."

Lateral, represented in the Gulf by Dubai-based Wusul, is Europe's leading expert in the design and manufacture of Wheel Chair Access Vehicles (WAV's) and mobility solutions.

The company, through its partnership with Wusul Wheelchair Access Vehicles, is also exhibiting The Milford Person Lift, designed to smoothly transfer users from a wheelchair directly into a standard car seat, meaning there is no need to change the vehicle.

The exhibitors are showcasing the latest technology catering to a wide spectrum of disabilities and disorders including neurological and physical disabilities.

The visitors explored aids for leisure and sports for people with disabilities such as running prostheses for recreational athletes, leg prosthesis systems that virtually make replication of physiological human gait possible to pre-hospital medical equipment, folding electric mobility scooters, orthotic, mobility devices, power wheelchairs, innovative solutions for sound sensory stimulation, voice synthesizers, Braille readers, and wireless monitoring devices and special tools and software that enhances language and learning through a simple reading protocol, devices to convert sign language to text and speech and other mobility aids.

Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, said: "Assistive Technology enhances opportunities for people having disabilities to participate in everyday activities empowers them and makes them self-reliant. AccessAbilities Expo has brought the world's latest AT products and innovations to the region, which can be used and implemented by schools, healthcare service providers, government organisations and individuals, thereby benefitting millions of people in the region with disabilities. The aim of bringing these technologies is to contribute to the UAE's vision of integrating, including, empowering and enhancing the lives of people with disabilities."

The Expo received an overwhelming response from thousands of attendees from training centres and organisations for the disabled, families, care-takers, technology and medical service providers, transportation, telecommunication, government bodies and other sectors directly or indirectly associated with disabilities.

The expo is supported by key government bodies including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Municipality, Community Development Authority (CDA), General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, Department of Economic Development, Dubai Healthcare Authority, Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Customs as the strategic partners along with private sector organisations in technology, telecommunication, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, tourism, education, infrastructure, facilities management and other areas from more than 30 countries.