U of A student uses AI to identify accesibility barriers
Posted April 23, 2025 10:44 pm.
An Edmonton man is hoping to make the city more accessible for those using mobility aids like power wheelchairs, all thanks to artificial intelligence.
Arne Andres has used a power wheelchair for over a decade after a car accident in 2015 added to his polio-related mobility challenges.
“Polio is a deteriorating disease; we call it post-polio syndrome, but because of the accident, it came early, and now, because I’m on a powered wheelchair, I will have to make an adjustment to what I do every day,” said Andres.
The University of Alberta grad student says when he moved to Canada from the Philippines, he found it easier to get around. But says Canada is not perfect when it comes to accessibility.
He still faces challenges riding a transit and even getting around campus, but is now using his experience to develop a new app that identifies barriers others may miss.
Atlas uses AI to scan pictures and videos to highlight barriers, like bumps or gaps, even able to help someone in real time using a GoPro during Edmonton’s changing season.
“Look at this girl struggling so much on the snow. So the app will really help her find an alternative route,” said Andres.
The app was developed with the help of start-up ‘click n push’, hoping the technology could help people plan ahead.
“So that they could avoid them and maintain their independence and autonomy in getting around as smoothly as possible,” said Martin Ferguson-Pell, a founding member of Click & Push Accessibility Inc.
The implementation of A.I. is set to launch by the end of the year, and the app is now available through the Click & Push website. Andres wants to help make Canada more accessible.
