On November 5th, the A(I)BILITIES project was presented during ASSIST’s Open Doors event at Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava. The showcase invited students to discover how artificial intelligence can be used to remove digital barriers and support more equitable access to technology.

Throughout the event, attendees learned about the project’s vision and the ways in which AI-driven tools can empower individuals with disabilities. Discussions highlighted the importance of translating research and innovation into real solutions that make digital environments easier to navigate for everyone.

A(I)BILITIES captured the interest of participants by emphasizing that inclusive design is a central part of responsible AI development. The project encouraged students to imagine a future where technology not only advances rapidly but evolves in ways that reflect the needs of all users.

The launch of ASSIST Software’s office in Augsburg, Germany was marked by the organization of an AI-focused event at the Augsburg Technology Center (TZA), on the 26th of September, 2025. The gathering brought together representatives from local businesses, research institutions, and public authorities to discuss the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence across sectors.

The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, featuring presentations and discussions on how AI technologies can enhance productivity, support innovation, and contribute to a more inclusive digital society.

Within this context, Professor Radu-Daniel Vatavu from Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava (USV) introduced the A(I)BILITIES project, developed in collaboration with ASSIST Software. His presentation highlighted the project’s goal of creating AI-driven assistive technologies that improve digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

By showcasing innovative solutions that personalize user interaction and align with the European Accessibility Act, the project demonstrated how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to make technology more inclusive, adaptive, and human-centered.

Attendees expressed strong interest in the project’s approach, recognizing its potential to inspire accessible AI solutions in both the public and private sectors.

After nine months of sustained collaboration and regular virtual meetings, experts from ASSIST and USV came together in person at Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava on September 19^th.  

The sessions began with a high-level review of project progress, covering both technical and user-focused aspects, and included planning for upcoming deliverables to ensure continued alignment across teams.  

USV representatives also elaborated on the scientific papers produced as part of the A(I)BILITIES project, sharing insights and clarifying technical aspects to guide ASSIST’s implementation work. This exchange highlighted the project’s collaborative model, allowing ASSIST to leverage USV’s research expertise and align technical development with the latest findings. 

In addition to the working sessions, the teams visited the MintViz Lab at USV, providing a valuable opportunity for informal discussions and knowledge exchange. The visit allowed ASSIST to explore ongoing research and observe advanced data visualization tools. It also provided practical insights to inform the project’s predictive models, user performance metrics, and user interface design. 

These interactions strengthened collaboration between partners, highlighted challenges to tackle, and laid a solid foundation for the next deliverables and ongoing progress in the A(I)BILITIES project.

Looking ahead, the A(I)BILITIES team is getting closer to shaping the first blueprints of a disabilities digital twin, a potential innovation that could pave the way toward a Human Virtual Twin and more inclusive, user-centered digital experiences.

Bridging Academia and Industry: A Model for Productive, Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Since day one, the collaboration between ASSIST Software and the MintViz Lab at Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava (USV) has proven to be highly productive and results-driven. The interdisciplinary nature of the work ensures that both academic excellence and practical applicability remain at the core of the A(I)BILITIES project. Regular meetings, held every 2 to 3 weeks depending on the project's phase and synchronization needs, serve as a vital space for planning, exchanging insights, and refining research and development efforts.

These sessions are more than status updates — they are strategic co-design moments where the partners discuss prototypes, brainstorm future directions, and troubleshoot challenges together. From aligning technical decisions to reviewing dissemination plans, the two teams maintain an open and transparent workflow.

Project status

The A(I)BILITIES project aims to develop cutting-edge generative AI technologies capable of automatically creating user interfaces that adapt to the diverse abilities and preferences of users with disabilities. By learning from real user interactions, these AI models will not only generate accessible designs but will also continuously improve and personalize the experience over time.

With steady progress and a strong work dynamic, we are well on track to reaching the key milestones planned for the end of 2025, with the scope of work clearly defined and a strong foundation in place. In parallel, market research is underway to better understand user needs, industry trends, and real-world adoption scenarios — ensuring that our solutions are not only innovative but also relevant and impactful.

The teams have conducted an in-depth analysis of iOS and particularly Android platforms to explore technical possibilities for enhancing accessibility on mainstream devices. The system architecture is being co-developed by ASSIST and MintViz Lab, ensuring alignment between research and implementation. In parallel, key metrics for evaluating usability and accessibility have been established, setting the stage for future development and testing phases.