Adaptive indoor navigation system for reduced mobility individuals: a comprehensive review

To systematically review assistive indoor navigation systems for individuals with reduced mobility, focusing on the technologies, navigation challenges, accessibility criteria, and research gaps reported in the current literature.

A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA and Kitchenham's guidelines. Following screening and quality assessment, 40 studies published between 2020 and 2025 were considered, including 27 implementation studies and 13 review/survey papers.

The review identified 17 indoor localisation technologies, with Bluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi fingerprinting among the most frequently used. Hybrid localisation and AI-based approaches showed strong potential for improving positioning and adaptability. However, the literature remains strongly focused on localisation, with comparatively limited attention to accessible path planning and user-centred design. Visually impaired individuals and older adults were the most represented groups, while wheelchair, hearing, and cognitive impairments were less frequently addressed. Among the implementation studies, 15 were validated in laboratory environments, 9 in real-world environments, and 3 through simulation. Accessibility criteria such as obstacle avoidance, stair avoidance, corridor and doorway dimensions, and elevator availability were inconsistently reported.

Future research should prioritise user-centred design, clearly defined accessibility criteria, hybrid localisation, scalability, and validation in real-world indoor environments.