The recent developments in assistive technologies and urban mobility solutions highlight a significant shift towards integrating advanced sensing, communication, and control capabilities to enhance user autonomy and safety. In the realm of assistive devices, there is a clear trend towards leveraging brain-computer interfaces and shared control algorithms to create more intuitive and reliable mobility aids for individuals with disabilities. These innovations aim to improve the quality of life by offering cost-effective, customizable solutions that cater to a wide range of needs and preferences. On the urban mobility front, the focus is on addressing the challenges posed by the increasing popularity of micromobility vehicles through the development of research testbeds that facilitate interdisciplinary studies on road safety, privacy, and sustainable transportation. These efforts are paving the way for smarter, more inclusive urban environments.

Noteworthy Papers

• Brain Controlled Wheelchair with Smart Feature: Introduces an EEG and eye-blink controlled wheelchair with safety sensors, offering a cost-effective solution for individuals with severe disabilities.
• Understanding Expectations for a Robotic Guide Dog for Visually Impaired People: Provides design insights for robotic guide dogs, emphasizing user customization and practical considerations for real-world application.
• ScooterLab: A Programmable and Participatory Sensing Research Testbed using Micromobility Vehicles: Presents a scalable research infrastructure for studying micromobility challenges, promoting advances in urban transportation and privacy.
• CoNav Chair: Design of a ROS-based Smart Wheelchair for Shared Control Navigation in the Built Environment: Proposes a smart wheelchair with shared control navigation, enhancing user trust and autonomy in assistive mobility technologies.