Integrating AI and Assistive Technologies in Healthcare: Insights from a Narrative Review of Reviews

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into assistive technologies is an emerging field with transformative potential, aimed at enhancing autonomy and quality of life for individuals with disabilities and aging populations. This overview of reviews, utilizing a standardized checklist and quality control procedures, examines recent advancements and future implications in this domain. The search for articles for the review was finalized by 15 December 2024. Nineteen review studies were selected through a systematic process identifying prevailing themes, opportunities, challenges, and recommendations regarding the integration of AI in assistive technologies. First, AI is increasingly central to improving mobility, healthcare diagnostics, and cognitive support, enabling personalized and adaptive solutions for users. The integration of AI into traditional assistive technologies, such as smart wheelchairs and exoskeletons, enhances their performance, creating more intuitive and responsive devices. Additionally, AI is improving the inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorders, promoting social interaction and cognitive development through innovative devices. The review also identifies significant opportunities and challenges. AI-powered assistive technologies offer enormous potential to increase independence, reduce reliance on external support, and improve communication for individuals with cognitive disorders. However, challenges such as personalization, digital literacy among the elderly, and privacy concerns in healthcare contexts need to be addressed. Notably, AI itself is expanding the concept of assistive technology, shifting from traditional tools to intelligent systems capable of learning and adapting to individual needs. This evolution represents a fundamental change in assistive technology, emphasizing dynamic, adaptive systems over static solutions. Finally, the study emphasizes the growing economic investment in this sector, forecasting significant market growth, with AI-driven assistive devices poised to transform the landscape. Despite challenges such as high development costs and regulatory hurdles, opportunities for innovation and affordability remain. This review underscores the importance of addressing challenges related to standardization, accessibility, and ethical considerations to ensure the successful integration of AI into assistive technologies, fostering greater inclusivity and improved quality of life for users globally.