Dubai: The AccessAbilities Expo 2016, which opened in Dubai on February 9, showcased several products and services that can make life easier for the physically and mentally challenged. XPRESS looks at the best innovations on display.
Elbee
This is a special vehicle for wheelchair users which enables them to drive directly from the wheelchair, electrical or manual. The two-seat vehicle, with a foldable passenger seat, allows its user to travel at 80 km/h on highways, increasing the freedom of movement in daily life. Approved for use on European roads, Elbee currently has valid homologations for the entire European Union and is now available in Czech Republic and in France. It costs around $30,000.
Robotic coffee shop
Special needs guests at this unique creation of the UAE-based Digi Robotics can enjoy the full service of a robot with just the click of a button. All they have to do is zero in on a choice of beverages and juices from a laptop menu and the robot swings into action. It reads the order, picks up a glass, gets it filled from a vending machine and delivers it to the customer. On offer for now: cappuccino, espresso, chocolate milk, Americano, café latte, cardamom tea and orange and pineapple juices.
Very Good Knee
Mediclinic Middle East, which has provided this product to many of its patients, said it is a prosthetic knee joint for above knee amputees. It is adaptive and bridges the gap between microprocessor controlled and basic hydraulic knees. A recipient Dareen Barber, who lost a leg to cancer when she was 15, swears by its advantages. The 38-year-old gym instructor said the mechanical device has the same functions as an electronic knee but is waterproof and “stumble-free”. “It’s a great product and one can even cycle with it.” It also costs much less than an electronic knee joint.
Speecheasy
A special device developed to treat stuttering, this product of the US-based Speecheasy provided by Health Mart entails an advanced technology that uses delayed auditory feedback and frequency altered feedback to emulate choral speech which can inhibit stuttering.
Hands Can Talk
An innovation aimed at improving communication between the deaf and the hearing world, this KinTrans technology translates sign language into voice and text and also converts voice into text. Under development since 2013, it is expected to hit the local market in six months.
Escape Chair
A product of the Escape Mobility Company, this chair comes in handy during an emergency. It allows the evacuation of a patient to safety in a sitting position down a flight of stairs. It can be operated by a single person and can be ready for use within seconds. The speed of descent can be determined by the user and the chair can be easily adjusted in keeping with the downward flow.
