Assistive Technology: Innovations and Evolution a Bibliometric Approach

EasyChair Preprint no. 13914

Abstract

Assistive Technology (AT) is an adaptive resource designed to promote the inclusion and autonomy of individuals with various types of limitations by incorporating complex and computerized devices. This assists in enhancing the social and interactive participation of people with disabilities and the elderly, whether their limitations are physical, auditory, visual, and/or neurodivergent. Alongside this, we have technological advancements associated with AT, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotic assistants, smart homes, among others. Therefore, the research objective is to highlight the major technological advancements and their impacts on AT device users. The literature was searched in Scopus and Web of Science (WoS), and articles focusing on the applicability of technological advancements in AT were selected, including artificial intelligence (AI), Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices, robotic exoskeletons, the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable devices, augmented reality, 3D virtual environments, and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs). A bibliometric analysis was conducted as the methodological procedure to explore, delimit, and assess the relevance of articles in this research area. Through this academic production, it is evident that sharing knowledge and collaboration between research centers, technological industries, and global universities are crucial for enhancing AT and developing more adaptable and accessible devices for users, based on the gaps found in the literature. The bibliometric analysis applied to the tools revealed that the topics of Deep Learning and robotic assistants represent future research opportunities with a central focus and limited existing research. However, the term 'occupational therapy' showed a tendency towards centrality within AT research.

Keyphrases: Adaptive resource, Assistive Technology, evolution, Technological Innovations

@Booklet{EasyChair:13914,
  author = {Jordam Lourenço and Paulo de Jesus and Caroline Lourenço and Alexandre Steiner and Jones Schaefer and Paulo Tardio and Marcelo Gonçalves and Elpidio Nara},
  title = {Assistive Technology: Innovations and Evolution a Bibliometric Approach},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint no. 13914},

  year = {EasyChair, 2024}}