An indoor navigation system designed to assist physically challenged persons
Photo Credit: Responsible AI Lab (RAIL)
An AI-powered wheelchair navigation system is giving people with physical disabilities the freedom to move through indoor spaces independently without relying on internet connectivity.
For millions of people with physical disabilities, navigating indoor environments hospitals, malls, offices remains a daily obstacle. Poorly marked spaces, unexpected hazards, and the absence of accessible navigation tools leave many dependent on others for even basic mobility.
The Indoor Navigation System integrates AI-powered object recognition, real-time environmental mapping, and danger alerts directly into wheelchairs, enabling users to detect obstacles and navigate safely and confidently through complex indoor spaces. Critically, the system functions entirely offline, making it accessible even in low-connectivity regions where consistent internet access cannot be assumed.
By putting intelligent navigation in the hands and wheels of users, the system restores independence and dignity for people who have long been underserved by mainstream assistive technology. Its offline-first design ensures it reaches those in low-resource settings who need it most, offering a scalable, responsible AI model that prioritises inclusion from the ground up.