Achieving Assistive Technology Systems Based on IoT Devices in Cloud Computing

Abstract

This paper discusses how programmable embedded IoT systems may be a challenge for the development of Assistive Technologies (ATs), with particular reference to the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Nowadays, users with disabilities access computer-based devices by using tailored AT solutions equipped with specialized software components closely tied to the physical device. We propose to decouple the AT tools from the computers and/or ICT (Information and Communication Technology) systems. The main advantage of such a solution is the high flexibility for users with disabilities in using their personal AT equipments to access/control different types of computers and ICT systems. To avoid manual driver installation and software configuration on each available computer, the IoT component makes use of Cloud technology and services to customize the AT environment according to the user’s needs and preferences.