Wow! CES 2018 showcased some of the most innovative technologies in the global tech industry with more than 3,900 exhibitors from around the world and the largest show floor in its 51-year history. Seeing and experiencing everything proved impossible, but BridgingApps Co-Founder Cristen Reat and Digital Trainer, Jana Rodriguez were on a quest to hunt down new accessible technologies that hold promise for those with disabilities.
Over the next few days we will share highlights of our favorite tech that we discovered and provide links with more information. We were privileged to experience some astonishing cutting edge technology being used today that benefit people with and without disabilities.
Accessible Olli
A highlight of the show was meeting several of the creators of #AccessibleOlli, an accessible self-driving bus designed to assist and transport riders of all abilities. It seats up to 8 people, can accommodate wheelchairs, answer questions and adjust to individual riders’ needs. Amazing! This project is a collaboration of crowd sourced ideas from consumers, the CTA Foundation, IBM, and Local Motors and will be piloted in several cities in 2018. Significant involvement and ideas for accessible design features originated from those with vision, hearing, physical and cognitive disabilities. Learn more and follow Olli’s progress here:
https://launchforth.io/localmotors/accessibleolli/latest/
https://www.cta.tech/News/Blog/Articles/2017/September/Meet-Olli-the-Self-Driving-Cognitive-Shuttle.aspx
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/internet-of-things/iot-accessibleolli-drives-us-forward-at-ces/