Revolutionary AI-powered assistive technologies are transforming mobility and accessibility for millions of people with disabilities, with the market predicted to exceed $12 billion by 2036. At the forefront is the Atalante X, a self-balancing robotic exoskeleton developed by Wandercraft that uses artificial intelligence to predict and execute movements in real-time.
For Esther Klang, a quadriplegic accessibility tester working with Fable, the Atalante X was life-changing. After 18 years, she was able to stand up and walk independently for the first time. The exoskeleton gained international attention when Paralympic athlete Kevin Piette wore it to carry the Olympic torch, showcasing the technology’s potential on a global stage.
Dr. Laurent Metz, Wandercraft’s global chief medical officer, describes the Atalante X as a “walking robot full of sensors” that uses AI to predict necessary motions and keep users upright. The system processes commands a thousand times per second, translating predictions into motor commands through an interactive feedback loop. Currently deployed in rehabilitation hospitals and walking centers across the US, Europe, and Brazil, one facility reported conducting 750 sessions with over 60 patients in nine months, with users taking more than a million steps.
Wandercraft is now preparing to launch a personal exoskeleton for home use, while ReWalk Robotics has modified its at-home exoskeleton—approved for personal use in 2014—to help users navigate stairs and curbs, expanding accessibility beyond flat surfaces.
The assistive technology landscape extends beyond exoskeletons. Tatum Robotics’ Tatum T1 is a robotic hand that translates live voice and text into American Sign Language, while Chronus Robotics’ Kim-e offers a hands-free “invisible wheelchair” with an adjustable seat. Designer Dani Clode has developed the Third Thumb, a 3D-printed thumb extension that serves as a body augmentation accessible to everyone.
Despite these advances, accessibility remains a significant challenge. Assistive technologies can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, problematic for a community where people with disabilities are more likely to live below the poverty line. However, Elaine Schaertl Short, assistant professor of computer science at Tufts University, notes progress: assistive robots that cost $400,000 fifteen years ago now have equivalents available for $25,000, though widespread home adoption remains decades away.
Key Quotes
It empowered me to stand up and walk independently for the first time in 18 years.
Esther Klang, a quadriplegic accessibility tester, described her experience with the Atalante X exoskeleton. Her testimony demonstrates the profound personal impact of AI-powered assistive technologies and their potential to restore mobility and independence.
It’s an interactive process that’s repeated a thousand times a second.
Dr. Laurent Metz, Wandercraft’s global chief medical officer, explained how the Atalante X’s AI system works. This highlights the sophisticated real-time processing capabilities required for AI-powered mobility devices to function safely and effectively.
We know what works for us and what doesn’t. It’s deeply frustrating when products claim to be accessible but fall short.
Esther Klang emphasized the importance of including people with disabilities in the product development process. This quote underscores a critical lesson for AI developers: involving end users early prevents costly mistakes and ensures technology actually serves its intended purpose.
This is an incredible piece of assistive technology, but it wasn’t invented for disabled people. There was a lot of catch-up work that had to happen on accessibility.
Professor Elaine Schaertl Short used cellphones as an example of how technology can evolve to serve diverse users. Her observation suggests that AI technologies developed for general purposes can be adapted for accessibility, but intentional design from the start is more effective.
Our Take
This article illustrates a promising but challenging frontier for AI: creating technology that genuinely serves marginalized communities. The Atalante X’s thousand-times-per-second processing demonstrates AI’s capability for real-time adaptive control, a technical achievement with applications far beyond assistive devices.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the emphasis on user involvement in development. Too often, AI systems are built without input from those they’re meant to serve, resulting in products that miss the mark. The collaboration between engineers and people with disabilities represents a model for responsible AI development.
The cost trajectory—from $400,000 to $25,000 in fifteen years—suggests Moore’s Law applies to assistive robotics, but the remaining affordability gap is concerning. As AI becomes more powerful and ubiquitous, ensuring equitable access will be crucial. This story reminds us that AI’s success shouldn’t be measured solely by technical sophistication, but by its ability to meaningfully improve lives across all socioeconomic levels.
Why This Matters
This development represents a critical intersection of AI technology and social impact, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can directly improve quality of life for millions of people with disabilities. The AI-powered predictive capabilities of devices like the Atalante X showcase machine learning’s practical applications beyond traditional tech sectors.
The $12 billion market projection signals growing investment and innovation in assistive technology, potentially accelerating AI development in robotics, sensor technology, and real-time processing. As these technologies mature, they could drive broader AI advances in human-machine interaction and adaptive systems.
However, the story also highlights a persistent challenge in AI deployment: accessibility and affordability. While costs are decreasing, the gap between innovation and widespread adoption remains significant. This raises important questions about ensuring AI benefits reach underserved communities rather than exacerbating existing inequalities. The emphasis on including people with disabilities in the development process also underscores the importance of diverse perspectives in AI design, a lesson applicable across the entire AI industry.
Recommended Reading
For those interested in learning more about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and effective AI communication, here are some excellent resources: